Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it still has ceramic fuses, keeps tripping or has no safety switches, it’s time for an upgrade. Daly & Co Electrical replaces old switchboards across Armadale, Kelmscott, Roleystone and Perth’s south-east with modern, compliant boards that protect your family and handle today’s appliances.
Signs your switchboard needs upgrading
- Ceramic (rewireable) fuses instead of circuit breakers
- No safety switches (RCDs), or only one
- Breakers that trip often, or fuses that keep blowing
- Buzzing, crackling, a burning smell or scorch marks around the board
- A dark backing board, which in older homes may contain asbestos
- You’re adding air-conditioning, solar, a battery or an EV charger and the board has no room or capacity
Why old switchboards are a safety risk
Over time, connections in older switchboards loosen and insulation becomes brittle, which can lead to overheating and fire. Old-style fuse holders can also expose live parts, creating an electric shock hazard. Safety switches (RCDs) cut the power in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth, which can be the difference between a minor scare and a serious injury.
Switchboards in homes built before the late 1980s may have backing panels that contain asbestos. These must not be drilled, cut or modified in any way that disturbs the asbestos, so in most cases the safest option is to replace the whole board.
Switchboard rules in Western Australia
- New switchboards installed under the current Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) need RCD protection on every final subcircuit.
- If a circuit is added or altered, it must be protected by an RCD.
- WA homes must have at least two RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits before they are sold or a new tenancy begins.
- Every job is finished with full testing and an Electrical Safety Certificate.
Selling or renting out your home? We can also handle RCD testing and safety certificates and smoke alarm upgrades at the same visit.
What’s involved in a switchboard upgrade
We start by checking your existing board, wiring and earthing, then talk you through the options and give you a fixed, upfront quote. On the day, the power is off for a few hours while we install the new board, fit circuit breakers and RCDs, label every circuit and test everything before we leave. Most homes are done in a single day, and if anything needs to be coordinated with Western Power, we’ll explain it upfront.
Switchboard upgrades near you
We regularly upgrade switchboards in established suburbs such as Kelmscott, Armadale, Mount Nasura, Gosnells and Thornlie, where many homes still have their original boards, as well as across Roleystone and the hills.
Switchboard upgrade FAQs
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most standard homes are done in one day, with the power off for part of it. We’ll let you know the expected timing when we quote.
Do I need a new switchboard for an EV charger or air-conditioner?
Not always, but older boards often don’t have the space or capacity for new circuits. We’ll check yours and tell you honestly whether an upgrade is needed before installing an EV charger or air-conditioner.
Is my switchboard asbestos?
You can’t tell just by looking. If your home was built before the late 1980s and the board has a dark backing panel, treat it as possible asbestos and don’t drill or touch it. We’ll assess it safely.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
It depends on the size of your home, the number of circuits and what else is needed. We’ll inspect your board and give you a clear, fixed quote before any work starts.
Worried about your switchboard? Call David on 0404 241 051 or request a free, no-obligation quote.
All our electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrical contractor (EC 15388) and comes with a 3 year warranty.
