A switchboard upgrade cost depends on what is being replaced and what the existing wiring needs. We assess the board, circuits and planned electrical demand before preparing a quote for your property.
In this guide
Separate the board from the wider electrical work
A board replacement and a full electrical upgrade are different scopes. The enclosure, protective devices, circuit connections, labelling and testing may be part of the board work. Repairs to existing circuits, a new supply cable or changes to the meter arrangement can add separate work.
Our switchboard upgrades service starts with your current installation and what you want it to support. Tell us about planned heating, kitchen appliances or EV charging before the quote is finalised.
What to send before an assessment
- Your property address and whether it is occupied, rented or being renovated.
- A photo of the closed board and visible labels, taken without removing covers.
- The reason for the upgrade, such as new equipment, lack of space or a reported fault.
- Any previous electrical reports or circuit schedules.
- Access restrictions and the appliances you rely on during the day.
A photo helps us prepare; the condition of wiring and connections still needs assessment. If rewiring is also proposed, separate it using the house rewiring scope guide.
Compare quotes line by line
| Quote item | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Board and protection | Enclosure, devices and any allowance for future circuits. |
| Existing circuits | Which circuits are reconnected, tested or repaired. |
| Supply and metering | Any separate coordination or work outside the board. |
| Finishing | Responsibility for patching, painting and removal of old equipment. |
| Price basis | GST, exclusions and how unforeseen work is agreed. |
Compare the same scope, not just the final figure. Ask which findings could change the quote and how you will approve those changes.
Plan for the power interruption
Discuss the expected interruption, site access and arrangements for refrigeration, working from home and any essential powered equipment. Confirm the timing with the electrician before organising other trades. The time required depends on the installation and any additional faults discovered.
For an EV project, our EV charger installation cost guide explains how board work fits into the wider charging quote.
Know what happens at handover
Ask for clear circuit labels, an explanation of the protective devices and the documentation required for the work. The electrical worker should explain which certificates apply and whether independent inspection is required for the particular work. Keep these records with the property documents.
This guide helps you prepare a quote brief. The electrical design, protection choices and any required inspection are determined for your installation.
Questions about Switchboard costs
Can you quote from a switchboard photograph?
A closed-board photograph helps us understand the starting point. We may need a site assessment to confirm the wiring condition, access and complete scope.
Does a new switchboard mean the whole house must be rewired?
Not automatically. We assess the existing wiring and identify any circuit repairs or rewiring separately from the board replacement.
Tell us why you are upgrading and what equipment you plan to add. We will help you define the board work and any separate circuit requirements before you compare costs.