Bloke in Sumner called us cause his power kept going out randomly. Hed been dealing with it for months - resetting fuses couple times a week. When we opened up his switchboard it was shocking. Old ceramic fuses from probably the 1960s, rust everywhere, connections so loose they were barely touching, no RCD protection at all. The whole thing was a fire hazard. We replaced it with a modern 18-way switchboard with proper RCDs and circuit breakers. He couldnt believe the difference - no more random power cuts, everything works properly, and he can actually see whats what cause we labeled all the circuits. Said he wished hed done it years ago instead of mucking around with those old fuses every week.
Thats typical of old switchboards around christchurch. They worked fine 50 years ago but cant handle modern life and arent safe by todays standards.
Why Switchboards Need Upgrading
Your switchboard is the heart of your electrical system. Everything runs through it. Old switchboards cause problems.
Age is the main thing. If your switchboard is 30+ years old it probably needs replacing. Technology has changed, safety standards have changed, your power needs have changed.
Ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers. Old switchboards used rewirable ceramic fuses. When they blow you gotta replace the fuse wire. Pain in the butt and not as safe as modern circuit breakers that you just reset.
No RCD safety switches. RCDs protect you from electric shock by cutting power instantly if theres a fault. Required on all circuits now but old switchboards dont have them. Big safety issue.
Not enough circuits. Old houses might have 4 or 6 circuits total. Not enough for modern homes with heat pumps, multiple appliances, home offices, electric cars. You need more circuits to spread the load properly.
Breakers that trip constantly. If your breakers trip all the time it might be cause the switchboard is old and worn out. Or you got too much load on too few circuits.
Rust and corrosion. Moisture gets into old switchboards over time and causes rust. Rusty connections create resistance which causes heat and can lead to fires.
Loose connections. Connections loosen over years from thermal expansion and contraction. Loose connections arc and overheat. Dangerous.
Cant add new circuits. If you want to add a heat pump or EV charger or extra circuits and theres no space in your switchboard you gotta upgrade to a bigger one.
Did a villa in St Albans that had a 6-way switchboard from 1955. Literally everything in the house ran off 6 circuits. Kitchen, bedrooms, living room, hot water - all sharing circuits. We installed a modern 16-way board and separated everything properly. Way safer and no more tripped breakers.
Ceramic Fuse vs Circuit Breaker Switchboards
Big difference between old ceramic fuse boards and modern circuit breaker boards.
Ceramic fuse switchboards have those round ceramic fuses with wire inside. When the circuit overloads the wire melts and you gotta replace it. People used to keep spare fuse wire in a drawer for when fuses blew.
Problem with ceramic fuses is people sometimes put in heavier gauge wire than the circuit needs cause they got sick of fuses blowing. That defeats the safety protection - now the wire can overheat before the fuse blows. Fire hazard.
Circuit breakers are way better. They trip when theres an overload or fault. To reset them you just flip the switch back on. No fuse wire to replace.
Breakers are more sensitive than fuses so they protect better. They trip faster when theres problems.
Modern switchboards also have RCD safety switches that ceramic fuse boards dont have. RCDs detect tiny current leaks that could shock you and cut power in milliseconds. Literally life saving technology.
What RCD Safety Switches Do
RCDs are the most important safety feature in modern switchboards.
They monitor the current flowing out on the active wire and compare it to current coming back on the neutral. If theres a difference it means current is leaking somewhere - maybe through a person whos touching faulty equipment.
When an RCD detects a leak it cuts power in about 30 milliseconds. Fast enough that you might feel a tingle but not fast enough to kill you or even really hurt you.
Without RCDs if you touched faulty equipment the circuit would keep running current through you til either you let go or the breaker trips from overload. By then your probably dead.
RCDs protect all circuits now by code. Some switchboards have one RCD protecting multiple circuits, better ones have separate RCDs for different circuit groups.
You should test your RCDs monthly by pushing the test button. If it trips power goes off then you reset it. If it doesnt trip the RCD is faulty and needs replacing.
Had a house in Redwood where the owner was doing DIY wiring in his garage. Hit a live wire with his drill. The RCD tripped instantly and saved his life. Without that RCD he'd be dead. Thats why this stuff matters.
Modern Switchboard Features
Modern switchboards have features that make your electrical system safer and more convenient.
Circuit breakers instead of fuses. Easy to reset, better protection, no fuse wire to replace.
RCD safety switches on all circuits. Protect you from electric shock.
More circuits. Modern boards have 12-20+ circuits so you can separate different areas and appliances properly.
Surge protection. Some boards have built-in surge protection to protect electronics from power spikes.
Proper labeling. We label every circuit so you know what each breaker controls. Kitchen, bedrooms, hot water, heat pump - all clearly marked.
Space for expansion. Modern boards usually have room to add more circuits in future if you need them.
Better connections. Modern components and connection methods are more reliable than old gear.
Weather resistant. If your switchboard is outside modern ones are sealed better against moisture.
The Switchboard Upgrade Process
Upgrading a switchboard takes most of a day. Heres how it works.
We arrange for the power company to come disconnect your power at the meter. This is required cause we need to work safely on your main incoming supply.
Remove the old switchboard. Take it off the wall, disconnect all the circuits.
Mount the new switchboard. Usually goes in same spot as the old one but sometimes we relocate it if the old location was dodgy.
Connect all your existing circuits to the new board. We terminate each circuit on its own breaker and make sure everythings secure and properly rated.
Install RCD protection. Usually we put circuits into groups with each group protected by its own RCD.
Label everything. Each circuit gets labeled so you know what it controls.
Power company comes back and reconnects your supply at the meter.
We test everything. Make sure all circuits work, breakers trip when they should, RCDs work properly, earth connections are good.
Council inspection. All switchboard upgrades need building consent and inspection. We arrange that and the inspector comes checks our work.
Whole process usually takes 6-8 hours. Your power is off most of that time so plan accordingly.
Adding More Circuits During Upgrade
When were upgrading your switchboard its good time to add extra circuits if you need them.
Separate circuit for heat pump. Heat pumps pull decent power and should have their own circuit not shared with other stuff.
Dedicated circuits for kitchen appliances. Oven, cooktop, dishwasher - all should have their own circuits.
Extra circuits for new rooms or renovations. If your planning to add rooms or renovate we can install circuits for those areas while were doing the switchboard.
Circuits for EV chargers. If you got an electric car or planning to get one we can add the circuit for the charger.
Outdoor circuits for garden, deck, garage. Separate circuits for outdoor areas make sense.
Home office circuits. If you work from home and have lots of computer gear a dedicated circuit helps.
Adding circuits during a switchboard upgrade costs less than adding them later cause were already working on the board.
Switchboard Location and Access
Switchboards need to be accessible and in proper locations.
Code requires switchboards be easy to access. Cant be behind furniture or in tight spaces where you cant reach them.
If your old switchboard is in a bad location we can relocate it during the upgrade. Common spots are garages, hallways, laundries - somewhere protected but accessible.
Outdoor switchboards need to be weatherproof rated. Coastal areas like Sumner and New Brighton have extra requirements cause of salt air.
Switchboards cant be in bathrooms or other wet areas. Too dangerous.
There needs to be clear space in front of the switchboard - at least 1 meter - so you can access it safely.
Some old houses have switchboards in weird spots like under stairs or in closets. We relocate those to proper locations during upgrades.
Earthing and Bonding
Switchboard upgrades include checking and upgrading your earthing system.
Earth connection is what makes your RCDs and breakers work properly. If theres a fault electricity goes to earth instead of through you.
Old houses sometimes have poor earth connections or no earth at all. When we upgrade switchboards we make sure earthing is up to code.
We test earth resistance with special equipment. It needs to be below certain values or we install better earthing.
Main earth connection comes from an earth stake driven into the ground or from the power companys earth system.
All metal pipes and structures in your house need to be bonded to earth. We check water pipes, gas pipes, metal roofs - make sure everythings bonded properly.
Good earthing is what makes modern safety switches work. Without proper earthing your not getting the protection you think you are.
Power Company Coordination
Switchboard upgrades require coordination with the power company.
We arrange for them to disconnect your power at the meter so we can work safely. They come out, disconnect the main cables, seal the meter.
Once were done they come back and reconnect everything. Test the meter, unseal it, turn your power back on.
Power company charges for this service - usually $200-300. Gets added to your bill.
We schedule the disconnection and reconnection times to minimize how long your without power. Usually its same day but sometimes if the jobs complex it might be overnight.
You cant have the power company disconnect supply without having a licensed electrician doing the work. They wont just disconnect it cause you asked nicely.
Living Without Power During Upgrade
Your powers gonna be off for most of the day during a switchboard upgrade. Plan for it.
Fridge and freezer will be fine for 6-8 hours if you dont open them. Keep them closed and the food stays cold.
Charge your phones and devices the night before. Or have powerbanks ready.
If you work from home take the day off or work somewhere else. No power means no wifi, no computer.
No hot water unless you got gas. Plan showers around the work.
If you got medical equipment that needs power let us know. We can arrange battery backup or schedule the work when you can be somewhere else.
Some people go out for the day - take the kids to the park, go shopping, visit family. Come home and everythings done.
We try to get your power back on as quick as we can. Usually by mid afternoon your all sorted.
Cost of Switchboard Upgrades
People always want to know what a switchboard upgrade costs.
Basic switchboard replacement - $2000-2500 for a standard 12-16 way board with RCDs. Includes labor, materials, power company fees, consent and inspection.
Larger boards with more circuits - $2500-3500 for 18-24 way boards.
If we need to relocate the board or do extra work - add $500-1000 depending on whats involved.
Adding new circuits at same time - $200-400 per circuit depending on cable runs.
Upgrading earthing system if needed - $300-800 depending on whats required.
Three phase switchboards for bigger houses or commercial - $3500-5000+.
Yeah its not cheap but consider your getting a modern safe electrical system that will last 30+ years. Way better than risking a fire from an old dodgy switchboard.
Some insurance companies give discounts for modern switchboards which helps offset the cost over time.
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade
How do you know if your switchboard needs upgrading? Here are the signs.
Youve got ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers. If you see those round ceramic fuse holders your board is old and should be replaced.
Fuses or breakers trip constantly. Frequent tripping means your switchboard cant handle your power needs.
Not enough circuits. If your running extension cords everywhere cause you dont have enough outlets its probably cause you dont have enough circuits.
Your switchboard is rusty or corroded. Rust is dangerous - means connections might be damaged.
No RCD protection. If your board doesnt have those test buttons for RCDs it needs upgrading for safety.
Your house is more than 30 years old and still has original switchboard. Technology has moved on, time to upgrade.
Youre adding major appliances like heat pumps or EV chargers. Old boards often cant handle the extra load.
Building inspector or electrician said it needs replacing. If someones inspected your electrical and said the board needs work listen to them.
Switchboard Upgrades and Home Value
Upgrading your switchboard adds value to your home.
Buyers worry about old electrical. Pre-purchase inspections pick up old switchboards and buyers either walk away or demand price reductions.
Modern switchboard is a selling point. Shows the electrical systems been maintained and is safe.
Real estate agents tell us houses with modern electrical sell easier than ones with old gear.
Insurance is easier with modern switchboards. Some companies wont insure houses with ceramic fuse boards or charge way more.
If your planning to sell in next few years upgrading the switchboard now makes sense. Youll get some of the cost back in sale price and faster sale.
Had customers in Opawa who upgraded their switchboard before listing their house. Cost them $2500 but house sold for $20k more than similar houses cause buyers werent worried about electrical.
Temporary Switchboards for Renovations
Sometimes during big renovations we install temporary switchboards.
If your demolishing walls where the switchboard is mounted we install a temporary board in a safe location. Keeps power running during the reno.
Once renovations are done we install the permanent switchboard in its final location.
Temporary boards cost extra but necessary if the permanent location isnt accessible during construction.
Commercial Switchboard Upgrades
We do switchboard upgrades for commercial properties too.
Commercial boards are usually bigger - 30-60+ circuits. Handle more load than residential.
Three phase power is common in commercial. We upgrade three phase boards and balance loads across phases.
Commercial upgrades often include better surge protection cause businesses have expensive computer equipment.
We schedule commercial upgrades for times that minimize disruption - weekends, after hours, during slow periods.
Cost more than residential cause theyre bigger and more complex but same idea - replacing old gear with modern safe equipment.
Why Use Licensed Electricians for Switchboard Work
Switchboard work is dangerous. This is not DIY territory.
Your working with the main incoming supply. Make a mistake and you die. Not being dramatic thats just reality.
Only licensed electricians can legally work on switchboards. The power company wont disconnect supply for unlicensed people.
Switchboard upgrades need building consent and inspection. Only licensed electricians can get consent and sign off the work.
Insurance wont cover electrical fires from DIY switchboard work. Your on your own if something goes wrong.
Mistakes with switchboards can kill people long after the works done. Loose connection causes a fire 2 years later - thats on whoever did the work.
Just hire proper electricians. This is not the place to save money.