Switchboard Upgrades, Installs & Repairs in Maitland & Newcastle

Your switchboard is the heart of the electrical system in any premises, whether it's a home, factory or shop, it's the beating heart of your electrical power and a hugely important safety component.

Modern switchboards (sometimes called fuse boxes) have many new safety features. Some older-style fuse boxes are still around and although they are not illegal to have, units like these cannot be installed any more and they can cause many electrical issues.

A switchboard upgrade will not only eliminate multiple electrical issues in your property but also provide many more safety features. Additionally, modern switchboards don't use fuses and can be easily reset by the flick of a single switch when overloads or faulty appliances have tripped them making them much more convenient. Lastly, they can increase the overall power coming into your property meaning they can have enough power for EV charging stations for example.

Switchboard Installations

We can supply new switchboards and install them (usually same day) based on your current (geddit?) and future requirements. There are many extra safety options as well as their capacity to be considered which we will recommend.

Upgrading your switchboard to a modern one makes your home safer and also easier to sell as well as ridding you of shorts, overloads and other issues you may have been having.

We only supply quality switchboards that meet Australian standards and will function for many years to come.

Switchboard Repairs

Some modern switchboards are simply overloaded by the increasing drain modern homes place with all the extra appliances, some are just badly wired by previous poor quality electrical work. Signs your switchboard needs servicing or replacing:

Tripping - this can be due to overloading which can be caused by bad wiring or just too much drain on the circuit. Switchboards can also fail over time, especially if old or corroded
Sparks, Smells or Discolouration - If you have these around the switchboard then you have a serious fault or problem and should call us immediately

Do not attempt to service your switchboard yourself, this is legal and dangerous, please call us immediately and we’ll send an emergency electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Commercial And Industrial Switchboards

Most large-scale industrial and commercial warehouse and factory premises should have a 3-phase switchboard coming into their premises. These are also sometimes required for larger homes or properties. The benefits of a 3-phase supply are better efficiency, less wiring and the power never drops to zero. Only a level 2 certified electrician like Horsell can carry out this type of work.

Switchboard Upgrade Costs, Install & Repair Prices

Prices vary according to your situation. We can often fix switchboards but an upgrade and installation of a new one will start at around $800 for the most basic. Prices will rise depending on how much wiring is involved, their capacity and safety features.

Relocating your switchboard will also add to the price due to the extra wiring involved, but simply contact us for a free quote to know exactly what a switchboard upgrade will cost.

Benefits of a Switchboard Upgrade

Upgrading your switchboard offers several advantages, including:

Improved Safety: Newer switchboards feature modern safety switches and circuit breakers, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire hazards
Increased Capacity: With the rise in electrical appliance usage, older switchboards may struggle to handle the load. An upgrade can provide the capacity needed to support modern electrical demands
Enhanced Efficiency: A modern switchboard provides better distribution of power and ensures all circuits are adequately protected
Future-Proofing: An upgraded switchboard ensures your home is prepared for future electrical needs, including smart home technology and electric vehicle chargers

Why Use Horsell Electrical?

Friendly, Knowledgeable & Approachable
Fully Qualified (Over 20 Years Combined Experience)
Fully insured ($20 million public liability)
Established 2017
No Job Too Big Or Too Small
3 Equipped Vans & 2 Teams

Emergency Service 24/7
Punctual & Reliable
First Class Reputation
Excellent Reviews
Free, No Obligation Quotes

We pride ourself on our work and our customer satisfaction. Our local reputation in and around Newcastle and Maitland is important to us, so we want every customer to be fully satisfied with the jobs we do. Building relationships in the area with customers, businesses and community work is our aim, not to make a quick buck. Above all we are affordable and offer great value.

FAQs

When should I upgrade my switchboard?

It’s important to upgrade your switchboard when:
• Your home is over 20 years old and still has ceramic fuses or rewireable fuses
• You experience frequent tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• You’re adding new appliances or systems that require higher power capacity
• You’re renovating your home and need to update the electrical system for compliance
• Your switchboard lacks safety switches or RCD protection
Upgrading your switchboard is a proactive way to avoid the risk of electrical problems and ensure your property stays safe and energy-efficient

What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?

A circuit breaker is a modern safety device that automatically cuts off the electrical supply when there’s an overload or short circuit, preventing potential hazards. A fuse works similarly but needs to be replaced after it blows, whereas a circuit breaker can be reset. Upgrading to a circuit breaker system improves safety and efficiency

Can I replace a fuse in my switchboard myself?

It’s not recommended to replace a fuse yourself, as working with electricity can be dangerous if you’re not qualified. A licensed electrician should handle all fuse replacements and switchboard repairs to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. If your switchboard has fuses, it’s probably time it was upgraded

How long does a switchboard upgrade take?

The time required for a switchboard upgrade depends on the complexity of the installation. Typically, a switchboard replacement takes between 4 to 6 hours, but it may take longer if additional work, such as rewiring or upgrading circuits, is needed

Do I need to upgrade my switchboard for a home renovation?

Yes, if your home renovation involves adding new appliances, larger electrical loads, or changing the layout, your switchboard may need to be upgraded to ensure that it can handle the increased capacity and meet current safety standards

How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?

The cost of upgrading your switchboard can vary depending on the size of your property, the type of switchboard required, and any additional electrical work needed. On average, switchboard upgrades in Australia range from $800 to $2,500. It’s best to get a quote from a licensed electrician like Horsell Electrical

Can you install a switchboard in an older home?

Yes, switchboard upgrades can be carried out in older homes. In fact, upgrading the switchboard in an older home is crucial to ensure compliance with modern safety regulations and to meet the electrical demands of modern appliances and systems

How can I book a switchboard upgrade?

You can book a switchboard upgrade by calling us, sending an email, or filling out the online booking form on our website. We’ll assess your property’s needs, provide a detailed quote, and schedule a convenient time for installation

FAQs

When should I upgrade my switchboard?

It’s important to upgrade your switchboard when:
• Your home is over 20 years old and still has ceramic fuses or rewireable fuses
• You experience frequent tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• You’re adding new appliances or systems that require higher power capacity
• You’re renovating your home and need to update the electrical system for compliance
• Your switchboard lacks safety switches or RCD protection
Upgrading your switchboard is a proactive way to avoid the risk of electrical problems and ensure your property stays safe and energy-efficient

What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?

A circuit breaker is a modern safety device that automatically cuts off the electrical supply when there’s an overload or short circuit, preventing potential hazards. A fuse works similarly but needs to be replaced after it blows, whereas a circuit breaker can be reset. Upgrading to a circuit breaker system improves safety and efficiency

Can I replace a fuse in my switchboard myself?

It’s not recommended to replace a fuse yourself, as working with electricity can be dangerous if you’re not qualified. A licensed electrician should handle all fuse replacements and switchboard repairs to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. If your switchboard has fuses, it’s probably time it was upgraded

How long does a switchboard upgrade take?

The time required for a switchboard upgrade depends on the complexity of the installation. Typically, a switchboard replacement takes between 4 to 6 hours, but it may take longer if additional work, such as rewiring or upgrading circuits, is needed

Do I need to upgrade my switchboard for a home renovation?

Yes, if your home renovation involves adding new appliances, larger electrical loads, or changing the layout, your switchboard may need to be upgraded to ensure that it can handle the increased capacity and meet current safety standards

How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?

The cost of upgrading your switchboard can vary depending on the size of your property, the type of switchboard required, and any additional electrical work needed. On average, switchboard upgrades in Australia range from $800 to $2,500. It’s best to get a quote from a licensed electrician like Horsell Electrical

Can you install a switchboard in an older home?

Yes, switchboard upgrades can be carried out in older homes. In fact, upgrading the switchboard in an older home is crucial to ensure compliance with modern safety regulations and to meet the electrical demands of modern appliances and systems

How can I book a switchboard upgrade?

You can book a switchboard upgrade by calling us, sending an email, or filling out the online booking form on our website. We’ll assess your property’s needs, provide a detailed quote, and schedule a convenient time for installation