Why you should consider a switchboard upgrade for your home

Reasons why it’s important to upgrade your switchboard

Upgrading your switchboard is essential for both enhancing your home’s electrical system and ensuring the safety of your family. Modern switchboards replace old ceramic fuses and can handle the latest electrical appliances like EV chargers, solar inverters and battery storage. Investing in a switchboard upgrade boosts your home’s power efficiency and prepares it for the latest technology. Reliable switchboard upgrades, including Residual Current Devices(RCDs) and Surge Protectors, help prevent electrical fires, electric shock, overloads, and power failures, thus safeguarding your family.

For a smooth switchboard upgrade process, consult a qualified electrician who can ensure your home meets current safety requirements and provide an electrical safety certificate.

Primary reasons and benefits for a switchboard upgrade

Upgrading your switchboard in Sydney offers several important benefits:

Enhanced Safety

Modern switchboards come with built-in safety switches that can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires, electric shock, and other hazards caused by overloaded circuits or outdated components. Many older switchboards do not have Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Surge Protectors, making them susceptible to unsafe electrical issues.

Handling Increased Power Consumption

As you add more electrical appliances and devices to your property, your current switchboard may struggle to manage the increased power demand. Upgrading can help prevent overloading and ensure your electrical system meets your needs effectively.

Regulatory Compliance

Older switchboards may not meet current safety regulations. Upgrading your switchboard ensures that your property complies with these standards, enhancing safety and providing peace of mind. This includes obtaining an Certificate Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) from a qualified electrician.

Support for New Technology

Many older switchboards lack the capacity to safely accommodate the increased demand from modern technologies, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and solar power systems. To effectively integrate these advancements into your property, upgrading your switchboard is often essential.

Preparation for Solar Power Systems

If you’re planning to install solar panels, a switchboard upgrade may be required to handle the additional power supply. This upgrade ensures your electrical system can accommodate the increased energy flow, allowing you to maximise the benefits of solar power.

For a hassle-free switchboard upgrade process, consult a licensed electrician who can perform the necessary electrical work and ensure compliance with safety requirements. Upgrading your switchboard can involve replacing outdated components with new electrical switchboards, adding safety switches, and conducting electrical tests to prevent electrical fires and other hazards.

Signs indicating you need a switchboard upgrade

It’s crucial to be aware of the signs that indicate your switchboard may need an upgrade.

Common indicators include:

• Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Flickering lights or fluctuating power levels
• Overheating, burning smells, or hot fuses
• Lack of Safety Switches
• Buzzing or sizzling noises coming from the switchboard
• Persistent electrical issues, such as short-circuiting appliances

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a licensed electrician. They can assess your switchboard, check the electrical wiring and circuits, and determine whether an upgrade is necessary.

Upgrading your electrical switchboard can help prevent electrical fires, improve safety, and ensure your electrical system can handle your current and future needs.

Which switchboard enclosure is best suited to your home?

Galvanised metal switchboards

Galvanised metal switchboards are strong and robust, making them ideal for most applications. This type of board is the most common is Sydney.

Stainless steel switchboards

Stainless steel, especially 316 grade, provides excellent resistance to salt water and other environmental corrosion. Enclosures made from 316 stainless steel are durable and aesthetically pleasing with a surface finish that minimises corrosion and offers a brushed metal look

Powder Coated aluminium switchboards

Powder-coated aluminium offers better resistance to corrosion compared to steel, particularly in environments exposed to salt water. Aluminium is lightweight and can offer cost savings compared to its counterparts.

Plastic enclosures

Plastic enclosures are versatile and provide good resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for environments where metal enclosures might corrode. However, plastic enclosures are not as robust as metal enclosures and are limited in size, making them less suitable for all applications. They can also be susceptible to UV damage.

What does a switchboard upgrade involve?

A switchboard upgrade is focused on improving the safety and capacity of your electrical system. It involves, removing any non compliant or hazardous components, installing the latest protective switchgear and completing necessary upgrades to accomodate for future expansion. It can also involve relocating the switchboard due to aesthetic or access considerations.

Based on a site assessment and your preferences we will tailor a solution based on your needs. In most cases, not all components will need to be upgraded, saving on cost. Our trained team will carefully remove your outdated unit and install the new switchboard, ensuring it integrates perfectly with your home’s power demands and visual aesthetic.

Our modern switchboards come equipped with safety switches, surge protectors and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to enhance your home’s safety and efficiency.

The upgrade process also includes ensuring compliance with current safety regulations and a Certificate Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW). Our licensed electricians perform all necessary electrical tests to guarantee the reliability and safety of your new switchboard.

With Valour Services, upgrading your switchboard ensures a safer, more adaptable home electrical system that meets all your electrical needs, from handling increased power consumption to supporting new technologies like solar power systems and EV chargers.

How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?

The cost of upgrading your switchboard varies based on factors such as size, features, and installation complexity. Generally, prices range from $1200 to $4500.

Types of Upgrades:

1. Basic Fuse Box Upgrade: $1200 to $2000
   • Enhances safety and capacity.
2. Comprehensive Overhaul: $2500 to $4500
   • Includes mains replacement, asbestos removal, or a new switchboard.
3. 3-Phase Switchboard Upgrade: $2500 to $4500
   • For homes with higher electricity demands.

Additional Costs:

Surge diverters, Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), and custom metal switchboards may increase costs.

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Age and Condition: Older boards may need more components replaced.
• Location: Hard-to-access or relocated boards can add to costs.
• Configuration: Number of circuits, phases, and additional protections affect the expense.

Consult a Valour Services for an accurate estimate tailored to your needs.

3 step switchboard upgrade process

Contact Us

Reach out to our team to discuss upgrading your switchboard for enhanced safety and efficiency in your home. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and provide expert guidance throughout the process.

Book Now

Once you’ve contacted us, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific needs. You can also schedule an appointment at your convenience for our team to assess your switchboard and discuss the upgrade options available to you.

Upgrade Your Switchboard

Our licensed electricians will upgrade your switchboard to meet the highest standards of safety and performance, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises

We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.

To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.

Why Choose Valour Services?

When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:

• Take the time to understand your specific requirements
• Tailor a solution for you
• Deliver quality workmanship
• Provide exceptional value
• Be available for questions, after service and warranty

Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.