How much does it cost to replace a switchboard? [2024] (2024)

If you're experiencing electrical problems in the home or looking to add to your collection of appliances, it may be time for a switchboard upgrade.

Depending on when your home was built and when your switchboard last got some attention, it may no longer be up to the job. It may just be underpowered, or it may even be unsafe, but hiring an electrician can bring your home’s power up to date.

Replacing a switchboard can be a worthwhile home improvement that makes life go more smoothly for you.

1. What is an electrical switchboard?
2. What are the signs of an outdated switchboard?
3. Why do switchboards need to be upgraded?
4. How much does a switchboard cost?
5. How much does cabling and rewiring cost?
6. How to choose an electrician

What is an electrical switchboard?

An electrical switchboard is basically the unit that distributes electricity to the home. It takes mains electricity and distributes it to various places around the house. Modern switchboards have safety switches that protect the home. The safety switch is designed to shut down the switchboard in case it is overloaded, but older switchboards may not have safety switches and can pose a fire hazard. A safety switch can turn off electricity in 0.03 seconds after a change in the electrical current is detected. Older systems are much slower and can be more dangerous.

Safety switches are required by law in Australia, but simply installing safety switches in an existing switchboard may not be enough. It definitely isn't a DIY job and only an electrician can tell you if you need to replace the switchboard, too. Safety switches also have a "test" button and you should test them at least every three months. The test button will simulate an "earth leakage" and turn off the power.

What are the signs of an outdated switchboard?

Often your switchboard will give very clear signs that it’s struggling and needs an upgrade. Some of the most common things to look out for are:

• Fuses blow when you use too many appliances
• Lights flicker for no apparent reason
• Circuit breakers tripping regularly
• Cabling in the switchboard can overheat because it is overloaded
• Appliances short circuiting

If you may have ceramic fuses, that might also be a sign that you need an upgrade.

Why do switchboards need to be upgraded?

We use more electricity today than in the past because we often have more appliances that run on electricity and use more electricity. Even appliances that are not in use may use some electricity. If you have a computer, for example, it will use some electricity and TVs are always ready to be turned on.

We have more kitchen appliances, too, including dishwashers, microwaves, kettles, coffee makers, air fryers and other appliances. They all use electricity and some homes don't have switchboards that can handle the load. Upgrades like induction cooktops use a lot more power, albeit for a shorter time, than other stovetops.

Then there are other appliances, including washing machines, dryers, electric hot water systems and heating and cooling systems. Even though modern systems tend to be more energy-efficient, we generally have more of them on the go.

We also have more lighting in a modern home than we did in the past. All of these can add up to an overloaded switchboard. In some cases, new cabling or new wiring may be needed. The only person qualified to assess the problem is an electrician, who can test your switchboard, cabling and existing wiring.

How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?

A switchboard upgrade cost will vary according to their size and capacity. A good starting point for your budget is:

• A 160 amp switchboard might cost around $300-$600
• A 250 amp switchboard might cost up to $2000

An electrician can recommend the capacity of switchboard you need. The cost of the switchboard is one cost you will face. The electrician will have to install the switchboard for you. In general, replacing a switchboard costs between $900 and $1200, including a 12 pole switchboard. If you need another type of switchboard, the cost could be higher or if you need 3-phase power, the cost will also be higher.

Electricians often charge a service fee of between $70 - $150 and charge hourly rates of between $70 and $120 per hour, but will break the charges down into 15-minute increments. An electrician should be able to give a fixed rate for installing a switchboard and will offer a warranty for the switchboard and their labour. They may also have to inspect cabling and wiring to make sure the switchboard is right for your home.

How much does cabling and rewiring cost?

Some cabling may be needed and that can cost in the range of $2000 to $2500, including the switchboard replacement.

If your house needs to be rewired, the cost can be higher. Australian Standards apply to house rewiring and if your house has old wiring, it may not comply with Australian Standards. Homes older than 40 years should be rewired, but even newer homes may need to be rewired if they rely on extension cords with several powerpoints for electricity because the powerpoints can be too much for the wiring to handle and could pose a danger.

How do you know if you need to have the house rewired? Along with the points mentioned above for switchboards, a house may need rewiring if:

• The powerpoints become hot or are discoloured
• There are buzzing and sizzling sounds
• You notice a burning smell
• Sparks fly when you plug in an appliance
• You feel a minor electrical shock when plugging in an appliance

Instead of putting rewiring off, have it done as soon as possible, because old wiring can pose a fire danger. While rewiring may be expensive, it is far less expensive than having a house or part of a house burn down.

Generally, houses are rewired with copper wiring. Copper is expensive, so the wiring alone can cost around $600 for a three-bedroom house. Quotes for rewiring can vary from $4000 to $8000, so get quotes from several electricians and choose an electrician who is experienced at rewiring homes.

How to choose an electrician

All electricians must hold a licence in every state. However, not all electricians are alike and it may be worth spending a little more on a more experienced electrician. When choosing an electrician they should:

• Have years of experience in your area
• Be able to provide you with references
• Be insured
• Give you a firm quote for a switchboard, rewiring and other jobs
• Give you a compliance certificate when they complete the job

All of these things are important, but a compliance certificate will tell you that the electrician has installed a switchboard or re-wired the house according to Australian Standards. The compliance certificate may vary depending on the state, but it is mandatory and is your assurance the job has been done correctly. Any reputable electrician will carry insurance and they will give a firm quote after they have inspected the switchboard and wiring. A good electrician will be happy to provide you with references you can contact to find out about the quality of their work.

When you get quotes from electricians, they may give you an online quote first, but it probably won't be accurate. They will want to visit your home and inspect your switchboard and possibly your wiring. If two or more electricians recommend rewiring, it's something you should consider because a switchboard may not be enough to fix the problems in your house and you may face the same problems after the switchboard is installed.

Since rewiring quotes can vary so much, choose an electrician who is experienced and offers a lower quote. A lower quote is not necessarily a sign of a less competent electrician and may be a sign of a more honest electrician, but check their references to be sure.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.