Modern Switchboard Upgrades for Safer Power
Modern switchboard upgrades enhance electrical safety, improve efficiency, prevent overloads, and support advanced energy management.
Outdated Boards Unacceptable Risk
Still relying on old ceramic fuses or asbestos-lined panels? These legacy switchboards aren’t just inefficient—they’re a serious safety hazard. Modern appliances draw more power than ever, and non-compliant boards can’t keep up.
McGuire’s licensed electricians upgrade your switchboard to AS/NZS 3000:2018 standards, giving you RCD protection, circuit balance, and peace of mind.
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade
- Flickering lights or warm switchboard panels
- Circuit breakers trip frequently
- Fuse wire instead of breakers
- Adding high-load devices (e.g., EV charger, induction cooktop, solar)
- Renovating or selling your home (RCDs required)
What’s Included in Our Upgrades
Our upgrades include premium features, enhanced performance, added support, security improvements, and customization options.
| Inclusion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Metal-clad, fire-rated enclosure | Replaces flammable timber boxes or asbestos panels |
| DIN rail-mounted breakers | Neat, standardised installation method |
| RCDs (30 mA) | Legally required for all socket & lighting circuits |
| Circuit breakers | Stops overloads and short circuits instantly |
| Surge protection (optional) | Protects appliances from grid spikes and lightning |
| Thermal imaging post-install | Verifies no heat faults – adds diagnostic value & trust |
We only use AS/NZS 60898 and 61008-compliant safety devices, backed by Clipsal, Hager, or NHP.
Our Process
Our process in switchboard upgrades ensures safety and efficiency through expert assessment, removal of outdated systems, modern installation, thorough testing, and full compliance with regulations.
1
Assessment
We inspect existing wiring, fuses, and meter board
2
Quotation
Includes all parts, RCDs, surge devices, & optional upgrades
3
Power Down & Install
Dust-controlled drilling, fitted level and flush
4
Progressive Power-Up
Lights and power restored section by section
5
Certificate of Compliance Issued
WA Electrical Safety Certificate included
6
Clean-Up
Old boards removed and recycled or disposed safely
Switchboard Upgrade Q&As (Australian Standards Compliant) FAQ
Switchboard upgrades enhance safety with RCDs, surge protection, thermal checks, and complianceessential for solar, EVs, rentals, and older fuse systems.
Old ceramic fuses rely on manually replaced wire, which can be incorrectly rated or poorly fitted. They don’t trip fast enough to protect from electric shock or fire. Under AS/NZS 3000, all circuits must now be protected by automatic circuit breakers or RCDs, not fuse wire.
WA law (as of 2022) requires at least 2 RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits in any residential property before sale, lease or rent.
This is also covered by AS/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 2.6.3.2. Non-compliance can result in penalties or insurance claim denial.
- RCD (Residual Current Device): Protects people – trips if leakage >30 mA (e.g., electrocution risk)
- Circuit Breaker: Protects appliances/wiring – trips if current draw exceeds the circuit rating (overload/short)
Modern boards have both for comprehensive protection
Thermal imaging detects hot spots caused by loose terminals, overloaded circuits or defective breakers. McGuire’s includes a thermal scan on request to verify the integrity of all connections post-install. It’s especially valuable in rental properties or workplaces.
Usually yes.
These high-load systems often exceed the safe handling of older boards, especially those with re-wireable fuses or no surge protection.
We assess your load capacity and install solar-ready breakers or RCBOs where needed.
A properly installed, compliant switchboard should last 25–40 years, depending on usage and conditions. RCDs should be tested every 6 months (user test) and every 2 years (professional trip test) for reliability.
Surge protection devices (SPDs) protect electronics from:
- Lightning strikes
- Grid switching
- Nearby faults (e.g., neighbour’s arc welding)
While not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended for homes with:
- Solar inverters
- Computers/servers
- Expensive electronics
AS/NZS 3000:2018 encourages surge protection in vulnerable installations.
Older meter panels may use asbestos cement backing boards (e.g., Zelemite or Ausbestos brands).
If we identify one:
- We arrange licensed asbestos removal
- All work is performed to Code of Practice: How to Manage Asbestos in the Workplace (WA)
- You’ll receive documentation for compliance
Yes—but with conditions.
If your board is outdoors, we’ll install a weatherproof enclosure (IP66-rated) and may delay work during electrical storms for safety.
All work is isolated at the meter before beginning.
Yes—with notice and coordination We:
- Notify tenants or strata managers in writing
- Provide EWR (Electrical Work Request) for network approval
- Complete work with minimal power downtime
- Issue certificates to both owner and tenant (if required)
Book Your Free Switchboard Upgrades
Upgrade today. Call 08 1234567890 or request a free safety inspection and quote online.
Don’t wait for a blown fuse to find out your board isn’t safe.
