Our Service
Licensed Switchboard Upgrades for Melbourne Homes and Businesses
Goldworks Electrical carries out switchboard upgrades for residential and commercial properties across Melbourne. If your property has an older switchboard running ceramic fuses, or you’re adding new circuits and the existing board can’t handle the load, we’ll assess what you have and upgrade it to a modern, safe, and compliant system.
All switchboard work is carried out by licensed electricians and completed to current Australian Standards and Victorian electrical safety regulations.
What Is a Switchboard?
Your switchboard is the central hub of your property’s electrical system. It’s where power coming into the property is distributed out to every circuit in the building, including lighting, power points, appliances, air conditioning, and more. It also houses the protective devices that are designed to cut power when a fault or overload is detected, protecting your property and the people in it.
An older switchboard running ceramic fuses or outdated circuit breakers may not respond quickly enough to modern electrical faults. A modern switchboard fitted with circuit breakers and safety switches provides a far higher level of protection and is better equipped to handle today’s electrical demands.
Signs Your Switchboard Needs Upgrading
Most homeowners don’t think about their switchboard until something goes wrong.
These are the signs that it’s worth getting yours assessed:
- Your property still has ceramic fuses rather than circuit breakers
- Fuses blow regularly or circuits trip frequently
- You’re planning a renovation or adding new circuits to the property
- You’re installing a new air conditioning system, EV charger, or other high-draw appliance
- The switchboard feels warm to the touch or has a burning smell
- Your switchboard doesn’t have safety switches on every circuit
- You’re buying or selling a property and want a safety assessment carried out
If any of these apply, get in touch and we’ll come out and take a look.
What's Involved in a Switchboard Upgrade
Assessment
We start by assessing your existing switchboard, the condition of your wiring, and the current and future electrical demands of the property. This gives us a clear picture of what’s needed before we quote
Recommendation and Quote
We’ll explain what we found in plain language and recommend the right solution for your property. You’ll receive a clear, upfront quote before any work begins.
Upgrade
On installation day we replace the existing switchboard with a new unit fitted with modern circuit breakers and safety switches across every circuit. All work is carried out safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the property.
Testing and Certification
Once the upgrade is complete we test every circuit to confirm everything is functioning correctly. We provide all relevant certification and documentation on completion.
What We Install
Circuit Breakers
Modern circuit breakers replace old ceramic fuses and respond far more quickly to overloads and short circuits. Unlike fuses, they can be reset with the flick of a switch rather than requiring a replacement fuse to be fitted.
Safety Switches (RCDs)
Safety switches, also known as residual current devices or RCDs, are designed to detect faults and cut power within milliseconds, protecting people from serious electric shock. Victorian regulations now require safety switches on all new electrical installations. We install safety switches across every circuit during a switchboard upgrade to bring your property up to current standards.
Combination Devices
Modern switchboards can also be fitted with combination circuit breaker and safety switch devices, providing both overload protection and personal protection in a single unit.
Surge Protection
We can also install surge protection devices during a switchboard upgrade to protect sensitive electronics and appliances throughout the property from voltage spikes.
Switchboard Upgrades for Renovations and New Additions
If you’re renovating your home, adding a new room, installing ducted or split system air conditioning, or connecting an EV charger, your existing switchboard may not have the capacity to handle the additional load. We assess your current board and carry out any necessary upgrades before the new work goes in, making sure your electrical system can handle everything you’re adding without compromising safety or performance.
Switchboard Upgrades for Rental Properties
Landlords have specific obligations when it comes to electrical safety in Victorian rental properties. If your investment property has an older switchboard without safety switches on every circuit, you may not be meeting your obligations as a landlord. We carry out switchboard assessments and upgrades for rental properties across Melbourne, providing the documentation you need to demonstrate compliance.
Switchboard Upgrades for Commercial Properties
Commercial properties have different electrical demands to residential properties and often require three-phase power, higher capacity switchboards, and more complex circuit configurations. Goldworks Electrical carries out commercial switchboard upgrades for businesses, landlords, and property managers across Melbourne, scoped and sized correctly for the demands of the premises
Why Choose Us
Why Melbourne Locals Choose Goldworks Electrical
We’re not a large national company with a call centre. You’ll deal with our team directly, from the first call through to job completion.
Licensed Electricians
Honest Assessment
Upfront Pricing
Minimal Disruption
Local Melbourne Team
GOT QUESTIONS?
Frequently Asked Questions — Switchboard Upgrades
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
The most obvious sign is ceramic fuses rather than circuit breakers. Other signs include frequently tripping circuits, a switchboard that feels warm, a burning smell near the board, or a lack of safety switches on your circuits. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to come out and assess it.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most residential switchboard upgrades take between two and four hours. More complex upgrades or commercial switchboards may take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.
Will my power be off during the upgrade?
Yes, the power to the property will need to be off while the switchboard is being replaced. For most residential upgrades this is a matter of hours. We’ll confirm the expected outage time before we start.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade before installing a new air conditioner or EV charger?
Not always, but sometimes. It depends on the current capacity of your switchboard and how many circuits are already in use. We assess this as part of the quoting process for any new installation and let you know upfront if a switchboard upgrade is required.
Is a switchboard upgrade required by law?
There’s no blanket legal requirement to upgrade an older switchboard, but Victorian regulations do require safety switches on all new electrical installations. If your property doesn’t have safety switches, any new work we carry out will need them added. We’ll advise on the most cost-effective way to achieve compliance during your assessment.
Do you provide certification after the upgrade?
Yes. All switchboard upgrades are certified and you’ll receive the relevant documentation on completion.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to help. Reach out today for free advice or to book your quote.
Get a Free Quote for Your Switchboard Upgrade
Whether you’ve got concerns about an older board or you’re gearing up for a renovation or new installation, get in touch and we’ll assess your switchboard and provide a clear, upfront quote.
