Category Archives: Electrical

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 Faults or overloads in outdated wiring can cause overheating and potentially start fires.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.

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

1. Is the ceiling fan getting installed inside or outside?
2. Do you have a preference for AC or DC motors?
3. How big is the room? Will you need extension poles to bring it down from a high ceiling?
4. 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?
5. Do you want a reverse cycle setting for winter use?
6. Do you want a remote control?
7. 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.