Electrical · Joondalup, Stirling & Wanneroo
Switchboard upgrades that end the tripping
Your power keeps cutting out, the board still has old ceramic fuses, or an insurer or buyer's inspection has flagged it as a risk. Old switchboards weren't built for the number of appliances, air conditioners and chargers a modern home runs, and ceramic fuse boards don't have the safety switch protection current homes need.
What's involved
- Inspect the existing board and wiring to work out what's causing the problem
- Arrange a shutdown with your power distributor if needed (usually same day or next day)
- Remove the old board and fuses, install a new enclosure with circuit breakers and safety switches
- Test every circuit in the house and label the new board clearly
- Clean up and haul away the old board and offcuts
- Issue a compliance certificate for the completed work
What happens next
- Call or send photos of your current board and we'll give you a ballpark over the phone
- We visit, confirm the scope and give you a fixed quote before anything starts
- Job gets booked in, usually within a few days, and the board is signed off on completion
Pricing
Safety-switch (RCBO) upgrades to an existing board start from $1,200 inc GST. Full board replacements are quoted fixed after a look at the board — the price moves with the number of circuits, whether the old panel contains asbestos, whether Western Power needs to disconnect at the street, and the age of the wiring.
How long it takes
Usually half a day, sometimes a full day for larger boards or if underground power needs coordinating
- Licensed — EC17637
- Fixed quote before work starts
- Compliance certificate where required
- Written 24-month workmanship guarantee on our labour
Straight answers
Switchboards — common questions
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in Perth?
Safety-switch (RCBO) upgrades to an existing board start from $1,200 inc GST. A full board replacement depends on how many circuits you have, whether the old panel is asbestos-backed, and whether Western Power has to isolate the supply. Send us a photo of your board and we'll give you a ballpark the same day, then a fixed price on site.
Do I need to upgrade my switchboard?
If it still has ceramic fuses, has no safety switch on every circuit, or trips when you run the air conditioner and the oven together, yes. If it's a modern board with one faulty breaker, usually no — we'll tell you which.
Why does my RCD keep tripping?
Usually a faulty appliance, moisture in an outdoor fitting, or too many circuits sharing one safety switch. We fault-find first; a board upgrade is only the answer if the board itself is the problem.
Does my old fuse box have asbestos?
Boards from before about 1990 often have a black zelemite panel that contains asbestos. It's safe while undisturbed, but it has to be removed by a licensed handler when the board is replaced, which adds to the price.
Why is my switchboard upgrade more expensive than the quote I got over the phone?
Phone quotes are ballpark only. The final price depends on how many circuits need separating, whether your meter box needs work too, and how accessible the board is. We always confirm a fixed price in person before starting.
Do I need to be home for a switchboard upgrade?
Yes. We need someone on site to authorise the work and because the power will be off for part of the day.
Will the power go off during the upgrade?
Yes, for most of the job. We coordinate the shutdown with Western Power if the meter needs to be isolated at the street, and let you know timing in advance so you can plan around fridges and freezers.
Do I get a certificate afterwards?
Yes. You'll get a Certificate of Electrical Compliance for the completed work, which you should keep with your property records — insurers and buyers often ask for it.
How do I know if I actually need an upgrade or just a repair?
If your board still has ceramic fuses, doesn't have safety switches on all circuits, or is undersized for what's plugged into the house, an upgrade is usually the more sensible long-term fix. We'll tell you honestly if a smaller repair will do.
Is there a warranty on the work?
Yes, workmanship is guaranteed, and switchboard components carry manufacturer warranty on top of that.
Next step
Get a switchboards quote.
We call back the same business day, Mon–Fri 7:00am–4:30pm. Or call now and we'll talk it through.