Switchboard Upgrades in Mosman & Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Older switchboards are common throughout Mosman and Sydney’s Lower North Shore and may not provide the protection expected from a modern electrical installation.
Montgomery Electrical provides professional switchboard upgrades and replacements, including the replacement of ceramic fuses and outdated equipment with modern circuit breakers, safety switches and RCBO protection.
We’ll assess your existing switchboard, explain what needs upgrading and provide a safe, neat and compliant solution suited to your property.
Signs your switchboard needs upgrading
Your switchboard may be due for an upgrade if you notice:
Ceramic fuses or old-style fuse holders
No safety switches or RCBO protection
Safety switches or circuit breakers frequently tripping
Burning smells, heat, buzzing or signs of damage around the switchboard
An ageing or deteriorated switchboard enclosure
Your existing switchboard struggling to accommodate new circuits or modern electrical equipment
Many older homes throughout Mosman and the Lower North Shore still have ageing switchboards. If you're unsure about yours, we can inspect the existing installation and advise whether an upgrade is actually necessary.
What a switchboard upgrade involves
Every switchboard is different, so we start by assessing the condition of the existing board, the electrical installation and what the property requires.
Depending on the existing installation, a switchboard upgrade may include replacing old ceramic fuses and outdated equipment, installing modern circuit protection and safety switches, upgrading the switchboard enclosure, improving labelling and completing the testing required when the work is finished.
We’ll explain what needs to be done before starting so you understand exactly what is being upgraded and why.
Safety switch installation
Safety switches (RCDs) are an important part of protecting people from electric shock. Many older homes have limited RCD protection or older switchboard equipment that no longer reflects the standard of a modern installation.
As part of a switchboard upgrade, we can assess the existing protection and install appropriate RCD or RCBO protection where required.
Switchboard Upgrades for EV Chargers & Renovations
Installing an EV charger, induction cooktop, air conditioning or additional electrical circuits can place greater demands on an older electrical installation.
Before adding significant new loads, we can assess your existing switchboard and electrical supply to determine whether any upgrades are required. Where switchboard work is needed, we can incorporate it into the overall electrical installation rather than treating it as a separate job.
This is particularly useful when renovating an older home, where the existing switchboard may need upgrading before new circuits and modern electrical equipment are installed.
Ausgrid Defect Notice Repairs
If you’ve received an electrical defect notice from Ausgrid, Montgomery Electrical can inspect the issue, explain what needs to be rectified and carry out the required electrical work.
Defect notices can relate to issues with switchboards, consumer mains, service equipment, earthing or other parts of the electrical installation. We’ll identify the required work and help get your property back into a safe and compliant condition.
We provide Ausgrid defect rectification across Mosman and Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
What happens on the day?
Before starting, we’ll inspect the existing switchboard, confirm the scope of work and explain what will be upgraded.
Your power will need to be switched off for part of the installation while the old equipment is removed and the new switchboard protection is installed. Once complete, we’ll test the installation, clearly label the new switchboard and leave the work area clean and tidy.
Most straightforward residential switchboard upgrades can be completed within a day, although the time required will depend on the condition of the existing installation and whether any additional issues are identified.
FAQs
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
1
Key signs include ceramic fuse holders, outdated switchboard equipment, limited or missing safety switch protection, frequent tripping, burning smells, signs of overheating or an old asbestos switchboard panel. Older switchboards may also lack the capacity required for modern appliances and electrical equipment.
If you're unsure, Montgomery Electrical can assess your existing switchboard and explain whether an upgrade is actually required.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
2
The cost of a switchboard upgrade varies depending on the size and condition of the existing board, the number of circuits and whether any additional work to the metering, mains or earthing is required.
We’ll assess your existing switchboard and provide a clear quote based on the work actually required, so you know what’s involved before we begin.
Is a switchboard upgrade required by law?
3
Not every older switchboard automatically needs to be replaced. However, electrical work in NSW must comply with current electrical safety requirements, and certain alterations, additions or defects may require safety switches or other switchboard work.
We can inspect your existing installation and explain what is required for the work being carried out and whether any existing issues need to be addressed.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
4
Most residential switchboard upgrades can be completed within a day. Your electricity will need to be switched off for part of the work, and we'll let you know beforehand what to expect and approximately how long the interruption will be.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade before installing an EV charger or solar?
5
Not necessarily. Before installing an EV charger or other high-demand electrical equipment, we assess your existing switchboard, available electrical capacity and the requirements of the new installation.
If your existing switchboard is suitable, an upgrade may not be required. If additional capacity or protection is needed, we'll explain the available options before installation.
We install EV chargers and can also assess switchboard requirements when you're preparing your home for solar.