Electrical Archives - Chris Wood Electrical

Electrical

Switchboard Upgrade Cost

12May2025

Electrical Switchboard Upgrade Costs in 2025

Sydney's Northern Beaches, North Shore & Hornsby

At Chris Wood Electrical, one of the most popular questions we get asked is “how much will it cost to upgrade my electrical switchboard?”.

As it’s no one-size-fits-all answer, in this blog we will explore the variables and potential costs of upgrading your switchboard.

To get a personalised quote to upgrade your switchboard, text or email a photo of your switchboard along with your requirements for a quote.

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

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Factors which influence Switchboard Upgrade costs

#1 – Your switchboard’s condition

What condition your switchboard is currently, and what you are needing it upgraded for.

#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 condition the service main is in

The service main is 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 three phase power (which is less common than single phase power), this will add to costs

#4 – If a Smart Meter needs to be installed as well

#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

If it need upgrading as well, this will add to costs

Costs to upgrade a Switchboard

As you can see, there are multiple factors which determine the cost of upgrading your switchboard. But to give you an idea of costs, 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

To get a personalised quote:

If you live in Sydney’s Northern Beaches or North Shore, it’s easy to get a quote to upgrade your Switchboard.

Give us a call or send us a photo – Open your fuse box, take a photo of your Switchboard and text or email it to us, along with why you need it upgraded (eg, installing a new electrical appliance or need a full replacement of an old switchboard)

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.

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Electrical

Choosing the right Ceiling Fan in Sydney

5 blade wooden ceiling fan installed in pitch roof

22Apr2025

Ceiling fan buying tips

Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate the air around a room whilst using little power and not cluttering up the floor and power points with plug in options.

With modern designs available across many manufactures they also look great and can finish a space nicely even creating a focal point within a room.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your home or business? Let’s break down the key things to consider, including blade design, materials, and why more Sydneysiders are opting for energy-efficient DC ceiling fans.

Save money year round

With home heating and cooling accounting for 20%-50% of Australian homes (depending on climate) ceiling fans are a very economical way to keep your home cool on warm days. But did you know it can also save you money running costs when used into conjunction with your home heating and cooling system?

Fans which have a reverse cycle setting will rotate counterclockwise during summer months, as per normal. However, in winter you are able to reverse the fans’ direction so it rotates clockwise. As heat naturally rises to the ceiling, using a fan in conjunction with your heater can reduce heating costs as ensure heated air is circulated and distributed evenly throughout your room, rather than pooling at your ceiling – all without you feeling a breeze.

AC vs DC ceiling fans

The technology used in ceiling fans has changed dramatically. You can now purchase fans which use Direct Current (DC) rather than Alternating Current (AC).

Fans with DC motors are quieter, smoother, less susceptible to interference and have more speed settings than traditional AC fans.

And while they cost more to purchase than a traditional AC fan, they cost less to run, using up to 70% less electricity.

Being quiet, they are popular for bedrooms. Plus as DC fans come with a remote control as standard, so you don’t even have to get out of bed to turn it off if it gets a bit cool!

Ceiling fan designs

One of the most common questions we get asked is: Does the number of blades really matter? Short answer: yes — depending on what you’re after.

3-Blade Fans

Modern & minimalist in appearance
Generally quieter and more energy-efficient
Create faster airflow, which is great for larger rooms or open-plan spaces

4-Blade Fans

A bit quieter at low speeds, making them ideal for bedrooms or living areas
Can provide more consistent airflow in smaller rooms
Often considered more traditional in design

The difference in airflow and noise levels between 3 and 4 blades isn’t drastic, but it can influence your comfort depending on the room size and function.

Fan sizes

The size your fan depends on your room size, taking into consideration room length, width and ceiling height.

The larger the room, the larger your fan needs to be in diameter.

Ideally, your ceiling fan be 2.1-2.5m above the ground, so if you have high ceilings, an extension rod will be required to bring it down to required height.

Style and Materials

Ceiling fans now come in a range of finishes to suit every interior style, from timber-look blades for coastal homes in the Northern Beaches to sleek matte black options for modern builds.

Metal blades – Durable and perfect for larger areas or outdoor spaces (check for weather ratings)
Timber or timber-look blades – Quieter and great for bedrooms or living areas
Plastic blades – Lightweight and moisture-resistant, ideal for outdoor alfresco areas

Fan control options

Wall controller – wired into a fixed location
Remote – comes as standard with DC fans
Smart fans – control via phone app & compatible with Alexa or Google Home

Things to consider when buying a ceiling fan

Is the ceiling fan getting installed inside or outside?
Do you have a preference for AC or DC motors?
How big is the room? Will you need extension poles to bring it down from a high ceiling?
Is there solid ceiling structure in the place where the fan is to go? If not, can the roof be accessed to install the support for the fan?
Do you want a reverse cycle setting for winter use?
Do you want a remote control?
Do you want a light in your fan? (required if you are replacing your light with a fan)

Professional installation matters

No matter which ceiling fan you choose, professional installation is a must. As licensed electricians in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Chris Wood Electrical handle everything from simple replacements to brand-new installs — including wiring, bracing, and remote pairing.

We’ll make sure your ceiling fan is installed safely, operates quietly, and suits the style and layout of your space.

We can supply and install quality fans, install one you have purchased or advise you on what is right for your home.

Need help choosing or installing a ceiling fan in Sydney?

We can supply and install a quality fan to suit your space, install one you have bought or provide expert advice on what is best suited to your room.

Get in touch with our team at Chris Wood Electrical for a free quote, call 02 9538 7923 or email us.

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Electrical

Safety Switches – Advice from a Sydney Electrician

Installing a safety switch in sydney northern beaches

21Apr2025

Why are Safety Switches important?

Safety Switches are a vital part of every home’s electrical system. Also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs), they protect your family from electric shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires. But did you know not every home has one?

Am I legally required to have one?

In NSW, new homes built since 1991 have required safety switches on power point circuits. In 2000, it became mandatory to also install them on new light circuits.

However, as they are not legally required for existing homes, some older houses have never had one installed. This is despite, according to Fair Trading NSW, every year around 40% of home fires in NSW are caused by electrical faults and appliances.

With so much at stake its concerning there are still houses out there without safety switches.

Do I have a Safety Switch installed?

Safety switches can be identified by opening your fuse box, looking inside your switchboard and checking if any of the circuit breakers have a button with the letter “T” (test) on the front of it in addition to the switch itself.

If you’re not sure if you have one installed, take a photo of your switchboard and email it to us.

How do I test my Safety Switch?

To test if your safety switch is functioning properly simply press the “T” or “Test” button and your safety switch should immediately flick off, meaning it’s all good. Turn the switch back to the on position and your all done. Repeat the process with any other safety switches you may have.

If the switch fails to flick off when tested or will not turn back on then your safety switch is faulty and will need to be replaced as soon as possible by a certified electrician at Chris Wood Electrical.

Safety Switches vs Circuit Breaker

A Safety Switch protects people from deadly electrical shocks by cutting off power by measuring and monitoring any residual current losses which could be travelling to ground.

Whereas a Circuit Breaker is designed to protect your home’s wiring from overloads and short circuits only.

Its recommended you have both installed.

How do I install a Safety Switch?

By law, only a licensed Electrician can install a Safety Switch, carry out repairs, upgrades and replacements.

If you live in Sydney or Northern beaches, give Chris Wood Electrical a call on 02 9538 7923 or email us for a quote.

Get a safety switch install quote

Electrical

How to find an electrical fault in my lights or power circuits

21Apr2025

Do you have a faulty light or power point?

Try these DIY checks before calling an Electrician

If you have circuit breakers or safety switches installed in your switchboard, then you will be able to follow these processes which could save you money in unnecessary call out fees. Learn how to:

Identify if the issue is with a power point (in which case you’ll need an Electrician) or your electrical appliance.
Identify which light switch is tripping your power and try replacing the bulb (you can DIY), otherwise it could be a faulty light fitting (you’ll need an Electrician).

Power Point or Appliance - which one is faulty?

Identify which power points are not working by plugging in a known working appliance like a desk lamp or 240 volt tool.
Be sure to check in cupboards, under the house or possibly in the roof space as there could be points there for services like TV signal boosters or alarm systems. If you’re not confident or are concerned about the wiring in these areas DO NOT go in there. Call a qualified electrician from Chris Wood Electrical to assist you.
Unplug everything from the power points that have been identified as not working
Attempt to turn the circuit breaker or safety switch back on
If it fails to turn on, then you have an issue with the circuit and the problem will need to be diagnosed and rectified by a qualified electrician at Chris Wood Electrical.
If the circuit does turn back on, that’s great as the problem is most likely an appliance and not a wiring issue.
One by one, plug all the appliance back in until you find the appliance that is causing the circuit breaker to turn off.
Leave that appliance out to be replaced and plug everything else back in and your good to go!

Which Light is the faulty one?

Switch off all your light switches
Attempt to turn the circuit breaker or safety switch back on
If it fails to turn on, then you have an issue with the circuit and the problem will need to be diagnosed and rectified by a qualified electrician at Chris Wood Electrical.
One by one, turn the light switches back on until you find the light that causes the circuit to switch off.
If the fault can be rectified by replacing a globe, then great! If the light fitting itself needs replacing then you will need an electrician from Chris Wood Electrical to replace it for you.