Electrical Switchboard Upgrade Melbourne
Switchboard and Electrical Mains Upgrades in Melbourne
Many older homes have outdated switchboards and circuit protection devices that can leave you unprotected.
Your switchboard or “fuse box” is the control panel for your home and should be tested regularly to ensure your family and your home are as protected as they can be.
Cornford Electrics can advise how you can be best protected and only install high quality safety switches and circuit breakers to keep you safe.
Some older homes are not equipped for today's higher demand on electricity and may need a mains cable upgrade to allow enough power to service your home.
Cornford Electrics can advise on the best way to protect your home and make sure your electricity supply needs are met.
We also provide commercial switchboard maintenance.
Call us for a electrical inspection and quote today.
What Our Customers Think of Us
Sharne W
Essendon
From the moment we contacted Craig he was friendly efficient and reliable. He came to give us a quote within days and the job was done soon after that. He did a fantastic job of installing some pendant lights and down lights with barely any disruption to us at all. Would highly recommend him to anyone!
Ralph P
Sunbury
I just moved into my new home in Sunbury late Saturday afternoon and needed an electrician. I rang Cornford's first from the Yellow Pages. So glad I did. Great service, very friendly and most importantly fixed my problem. I highly recommend.
Stuart M
Greenvale
Quality Service Craig and the team did a great job installing, wiring and fitting several downlights, power points and switches in the house and garage. Very professional service that was punctual, friendly and fairly priced. Highly recommended!
Jane B
Roxburgh Park
HIGHLY RECOMENDED !! I highly recommend Cornford Electrics, Craig and his team were prompt, friendly, clean, helpful ,informative and reliable for a good price and excellent customer service. Multiple jobs inside and outside were well organised and completed in a timely manner - Thank you
Switchboard Main Upgrades FAQ
How does an electrical switchboard operate?
Electrical power is transferred from the utility supplier to a home’s electrical switchboard, where it’s routed to power the system. The switchboard distributes the electricity across other circuits as required.
Is it necessary to upgrade my switchboard?
In most cases, an outdated switchboard is incapable of supplying a house and its contemporary appliances with electricity in a reliable and secure manner. An outdated switchboard could trip circuits or blow fuses if it becomes overloaded, which can be dangerous and cost a great deal of time and money to repair. Upgrading to a newer switchboard with built-in safety switches can address this, as well as the following:
- improve efficiency
- reduce the risk of fire
- provide better protection against electrical surges and faults
- reduce noise interference from nearby electrical devices
- create a centralised power distribution system
When should I upgrade my switchboard?
Warning signs that your electrical switchboard needs an upgrade include electric shocks or flickering lighting. Your switchboard may need replacement if you receive an electric shock when inserting a plug into a power outlet. If your lights flicker regularly, even when the light globe has been replaced, the wiring in your switchboard may be damaged. Always consult a professional if in doubt.
What happens during a switchboard upgrade?
As part of a switchboard upgrade, all ceramic fuses are replaced with up-to-date circuit breakers and RCDs. The installation and residential testing will be completed in a neat enclosure, and all cables will be neatly rewired and tidied behind the panel.
How long does it take to upgrade an electrical switchboard?
The complexity of the task determines how long it will take to upgrade a switchboard. A straightforward switchboard update will typically take a few hours to a day or two. A longer, more involved switchboard update could require several weeks. The Cornford Electrics team can evaluate your switchboard and give you a clear indication of how long an upgrade will take.
How long does an electrical switchboard last?
Switchboards typically have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years, and they may even last longer if they are properly cared for and maintained on a frequent basis. It is worth having yours assessed for an upgrade every 10–15 years or so. You can also easily determine the age of your present switchboard by looking for the installation date on the main switchboard panel. If no date is indicated, your switchboard is probably outdated and needs to be upgraded.
How are panels and switchboards different?
Switchboards are often free-standing and mounted to the floor, whereas panelboards are typically wall-mounted. Switchboards normally vary from 1200A to 5000A, as opposed to panelboards, which typically have ratings between 100A and 1200A.
Does an electrical switchboard require a main switch?
Every household’s switchboard needs to have a main switch with overload protection and RCD protective devices on all other circuits (such as power, lighting and electrical appliance circuits).
Which switchboard upgrades are available?
Your unique requirements and the kind of electrical system you have will determine the type of switchboard upgrades you can get. Generally speaking, the switchboard cabinet may need to be replaced, automated circuit breakers and safety switches added, copper wiring changed to aluminium wiring, surge protection added, RCDs installed, and automatic circuit breakers and safety switches installed.
What advantages come with a switchboard upgrade?
Upgrades to your switchboard can help make your house or place of business safer, lower the risk of electrical fires, improve the effectiveness of your electrical system, and prepare your property for future needs (such as electric vehicle chargers). Switchboard upgrades can also lower your energy costs by increasing the effectiveness of your electrical system.
Is upgrading a switchboard expensive?
The type of switchboard upgrade you require and its complexity will determine how much it will cost. A switchboard upgrade typically costs more than a standard switchboard replacement. Contact us for an accurate quote.