Switchboard Upgrades in Melbourne

A modern switchboard with individual RCBO protection is the backbone of home safety — and it gives you peace of mind that your electrical system is current, compliant, and built to last.

RCBOs vs RCDs — Why We Use RCBOs

An RCBO is a combination of a circuit breaker and a safety switch — in one compact unit. That means each circuit in your home has both overcurrent protection (against overloads and short circuits) and residual current protection (against electric shocks).

Older boards use RCDs (safety switches) that protect groups of circuits. When one trips, you can lose power to half your home. With RCBOs, only the faulty circuit trips — the rest of your home stays powered. Better safety, better convenience.

What Is Inside a Modern Switchboard?

A modern switchboard is far more than a box of switches. Inside you'll find:

RCBOs — individual circuit protection, one per circuit
Main switch — isolates your entire property for safety during maintenance
Circuit labelling — every circuit clearly identified so you know what's what
Surge arrestor (optional) — protects against power spikes from storms or grid faults

A well-organised, properly labelled switchboard makes everyday life easier — and emergency response faster.

When Should You Upgrade?

Older homes built before the 1990s commonly have switchboards that are unsafe and non-compliant. Tell-tale signs include:

Fuse boxes or wooden boards — outdated components that no longer meet Australian standards
No RCD protection — circuits without safety switches are a serious shock hazard
Frequent tripping or blown fuses — signs of overloading or failing components
Burning smells, scorch marks or buzzing — immediate danger, call an electrician
Planned renovations or new appliances — upgrade the board first for modern capacity

Even if your board looks fine, an upgrade gives you RCBO-level protection and the capacity for modern living — EV chargers, air conditioning, home offices, and everything in between.

Voltex — Australian-Made, Australian Warranty

We use Voltex switchboard components — an Australian company that designs and manufactures switchboards built for Australian conditions. Their warranty is fantastic, their support is local, and their components are engineered to last.

We supply both single-phase and three-phase switchboards. Most homes run on single-phase, but if you have an EV charger, multiple air conditioners, or a workshop with three-phase equipment, a three-phase board gives you the capacity you need.

What to Expect

Inspection

We inspect your existing switchboard — checking circuit loads, identifying burnt components, missing protection or outdated wiring. We also check for mislabelled or unlabelled circuits, doorbell transformers, fire caulk requirements, and any other factors that affect the upgrade.

Upgrade (Single Day)

We arrive in the morning, install your new Voltex switchboard and have power back on by 3:30pm. Every electrician carries their own drop sheets and vacuum — you won't know we were here.

COES & Independent Inspector (Where Required)

A Certificate of Electrical Safety is provided in due course. Where regulations require it, an independent electrical inspector will verify the work before power is restored.

Walkthrough

We explain how your new board works — which circuit is which, how the RCBOs protect each circuit individually, and what to do if one trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a switchboard upgrade take?

Most residential upgrades are completed in a single day. We typically arrive in the morning and have power back on by 3:30pm — sometimes before noon for simpler boards. You will lose power for a few hours during the swap, but we schedule this at a time that suits you.

What happens on the day?

We arrive, lay drop sheets, and get to work. Every electrician carries their own drop sheets and vacuum — you won't know we were here. We clean up after ourselves with drop sheets, dust control, and a vacuum before we leave.

Do I need surge protection?

A surge arrestor protects your electrical system from power spikes caused by storms, grid faults, or nearby electrical storms. It's a common-sense upgrade — especially if you have expensive electronics, a home office, or solar panels. We can add one while your board is open, which makes it simple and cost-effective.

What certificates will I receive?

A Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) is provided in due course for all prescribed work. Where regulations require it — such as main switchboard replacements — an independent electrical inspector will verify the work. We coordinate this for you.

I'm a landlord — what do I need for rental compliance?

From March 2023, rental properties in Victoria must have a modern switchboard with RCD protection on every circuit (socket outlets and lighting). This applies to all rental agreements entered into from that date. If your rental property still has an older board, an upgrade is required. We handle the full upgrade and provide the necessary certificates for your RTA obligations.

Will I need to move the switchboard?

Some boards may need to be relocated. If your switchboard is deep inside a cupboard, it's actually non-compliant — AS/NZS 3000 requires immediate access without moving anything. Boards behind doors, in restricted spaces, or in silly positions may also need to be relocated — or the upgrade presents an opportunity to move it to a better location. We'll identify this during the inspection and discuss the best option for your home.

Premium Service,
Quality Results,
Since 1963.

Over 63 years of trusted service across Melbourne

Ready when you are

Prefer to call?

03 9853 2644

7:30am – 4pm
Business Days