Ceramic fuses
Old rewireable fuses blow rather than trip, and boards that still use them usually have no safety switches. If you’re still replacing fuse wire, the board is due.
The switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrics. It splits the power into circuits and protects each one, so when it’s old, overloaded or missing safety switches, everything after it is at risk.
A switchboard upgrade swaps old fuses for modern circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs), leaves room for what you plan to add next, and gets every circuit tested and labelled. In an older home, it’s one of the most worthwhile electrical jobs you can do.
What’s involved
- Inspection of the board and wiring
- A plan for circuits and safety switches
- New board installed and labelled
- Every circuit tested
- Certificate of Electrical Safety
Tripping or flickering
Breakers that trip often, lights that flicker or dim, or power points that feel warm all point to a board or circuit under strain.
No room to grow
An EV charger, induction cooktop, air conditioning or solar each needs spare space and capacity on the board. A full or tired board often needs upgrading first.
Scorch marks, a burning smell or a switchboard that feels hot need checking straight away.
Switchboard beforeSwitchboard after
Joel was excellent he is highly recommended
Quoted word for word from LENNELEC on Service.com.au, where Joel is rated 5.0 from 7 reviews.
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
Common signs are ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers, no safety switches, breakers that trip often, flickering lights, or no room to add new circuits. If any of those sound familiar, Joel can check the board and tell you what’s needed.
What is a safety switch (RCD) and do I need one?
A safety switch cuts the power in a fraction of a second when it detects current leaking to earth, for example through a person. It’s one of the best protections against electric shock. Older boards often have none, or only protect the power points. A modern board protects your power and lighting circuits.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger, solar or a new kitchen?
Often, yes. New circuits need space and the right protection on the board, and the board needs enough capacity for the extra load. Joel checks this before adding anything new.
Is my old switchboard dangerous?
Not necessarily, but scorch marks, a burning smell, buzzing, or a board that feels hot are warning signs. If you notice any of those, turn off the main switch if it’s safe to do so and call an electrician straight away.
Could my old switchboard panel contain asbestos?
Switchboards installed before about 1990 were often mounted on panels that contain asbestos. Don’t drill, cut or sand it. Joel will check the board and talk you through how it’s dealt with as part of the upgrade.
Is a switchboard upgrade certified?
Yes. In Victoria, a licensed electrician issues a Certificate of Electrical Safety for this kind of work. LENNELEC is a Registered Electrical Contractor, REC 31663.
Switchboard upgrades in key areas
LENNELEC covers the Mornington Peninsula and south-east Melbourne. See the full service area or call Joel to check your suburb.
Is your switchboard due?
Tell Joel the age of your home and anything you’re planning to add, or call for a chat about what you need.