Switchboard Upgrade Cost

What is a Switchboard and why upgrade it?

A switchboard is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It’s the panel—usually located on a wall in your garage, hallway, or outside—where power from the electricity grid enters your home and is then distributed to different circuits (like your lights, appliances, or power points).

Dangers of old switchboards

Old switchboards often lack modern safety mechanisms such as a residual current devices (RCDs), also known as a safety switch and circuit breakers. Faults or overloads in outdated wiring can cause overheating and potentially start fires.

Is your switchboard keeping up with modern living?

Upgrading your switchboard isn’t just about safety—it’s about making sure your home can handle today’s electrical demands. From air conditioners and induction cooktops to home offices and EV chargers, older switchboards often struggle to keep up. If your power trips when multiple appliances run, or your lights flicker during peak use, it may be time for an upgrade.

Here’s what you need to know about switchboard upgrade costs in Sydney’s Northern Beaches & North Shore…

Factors which influence Switchboard upgrade price

1. What condition your switchboard is in and what you need upgraded
2. Whether the switchboard enclosure / meter box needs replacing as well
   • Old timber boxes can rot while metal ones can rust out, allowing moisture to get in
   • The style of replacement meter box – mounted onto the wall or recessed into it
3. What the condition of the service main is in (the cable which comes from the street)
   • If this needs upgrading, costs will increase, dependent on if it’s an underground cable or an aerial one (and if it’s an aerial cable, if there is a private power pole on the customers property which needs replacing)
   • If the building has single phase power (more common) or 3 phase power (less common, but will add to costs)
4. If a smart meter needs to be installed
5. Size of the building
6. If the meter board is asbestos
   • Some old switchboards contain asbestos in their backing panels, which will need removing and replacing
7. The number of safety switches which need to be installed and whether they are single or three phase
8. What the condition of the earthing system and whether it needs upgrading

Cost to upgrade a Switchboard

There are multiple factors which need to be taken into consideration, with the main factors being –

1. What condition is your Switchboard currently in? (text or email us a pic!)
2. Why do you need it upgraded? (eg installing a electrical appliance or a full replacement of an old switchboard)

There are multiple factors which determine the cost of upgrading your switchboard, but to give you an idea, here are some examples of prices:

• New Safety Switches – From $150 each +GST
• Switchboard replacement for a small apartment – from $600 +GST
• Induction Cooktop – including installation of cooktop, new circuit and isolating switch – from $700 +GST
• Complete new meter box – including switchboard replacement – from $2,500 +GST

Choosing the right Electrician

Chris Wood Electrical are Licenced / Certified and insured Electricians with 15+ years experience.

Make sure you get a quote from us before going ahead with your upgrade! We pride ourselves on honest assessments, transparent pricing, and quality workmanship.

We issue free fixed-priced quotes and ae are familiar with local regulations and property types in Sydney. From apartments to heritage homes and modern builds, we upgrade switchboards across the Northern Beaches and North Shore, including suburbs like Manly, Mona Vale, Dee Why, Mosman, Wahroonga, Chatswood and Hornsby.