Switchboard upgrades across the Hills
Ceramic fuses, no safety switches, or a board that trips whenever the kettle and the aircon run together — that's a board at the end of its life.
Signs your switchboard needs replacing
Any one of these is worth a look. Two or more and it's usually time.
Ceramic rewireable fuses
The white porcelain holders with fuse wire inside. They give no RCD protection at all, and there is no way to add it to them. If your board still has these, it predates a lot of the safety requirements that exist now.
Call 0422 253 379No safety switches (RCDs)
An RCD cuts power in around 30 milliseconds when current leaks to earth — that's the difference between a shock and an electrocution. New and altered circuits have required RCD protection for years, so this usually comes up the moment you want any work done.
Call 0422 253 379Breakers trip when several appliances run
Usually not a fault — it's a board sized for a 1970s household load being asked to run an induction cooktop, ducted air and a dishwasher at once. It needs more circuits, not a bigger fuse.
Call 0422 253 379The board is full — no spare ways
Every position used, so nothing new can be added. This is the single most common thing that stops an EV charger or an induction cooktop going in.
Call 0422 253 379Buzzing, warmth or a burning smell at the board
A loose connection arcing, which generates heat inside an enclosure full of plastic and cable. This is the one on this list that is not a planning conversation.
Turn it off at the board and call 0422 253 379Scorch marks or discoloured plastic
Something has already overheated. The damage you can see is rarely the whole of it.
Turn it off at the board and call 0422 253 379What a compliant modern board includes
- A main switch that isolates the whole installation
- RCD protection on the circuits that require it — power, lighting and most others
- Individual circuit breakers sized to each circuit, so a fault in one room doesn't kill the house
- Correct labelling, so anyone working on it later knows what's what
- Spare capacity — room to add circuits without starting again
- Surge protection where it's warranted, which on acreage it usually is
We also check the main earth and the MEN connection while the board is open. On older installations that's frequently where the real problem turns out to be.
What happens on the day
We check what you've actually got
Existing board, supply arrangement, earthing, and how many circuits you really need.
You get a fixed price
Including any remedial work we find, so the number doesn't move later.
Power off, board out, board in
Most domestic upgrades are a single day. We'll tell you the expected off-time before we start.
Test, certify, and label
Full testing, a CCEW issued, and every circuit labelled properly.
Switchboard upgrade questions
How long will my power be off?
For a straightforward domestic board replacement, expect the power off for most of the working day. We'll give you a realistic window before the day so you can plan around fridges, freezers and anyone working from home.
Do I legally have to upgrade my switchboard?
There's no law requiring you to replace a working board simply because it's old. But new and altered circuits must have RCD protection, so in practice any significant electrical work on an old board triggers an upgrade.
Can you just add safety switches to my existing board?
Sometimes, if it's a modern enough board with space and a suitable arrangement. On a ceramic fuse board, no — there's nowhere to put them and no way to make it comply. We'll tell you honestly which situation you're in.
Will I need approval from Ausgrid?
Not for a standard like-for-like board replacement. If the supply needs upgrading — going to three phase, or increasing capacity — that involves the network operator and we handle that process.
What if you find other problems once the board is off?
On older homes it happens. We stop, show you what we've found, and price it before doing anything. You won't get a surprise on the invoice.
Do I get a compliance certificate?
Yes. A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work is issued for every switchboard upgrade, as required in NSW.
What a switchboard upgrade costs
The board itself is rarely the variable — it's the condition of what's behind it.
| The job | Price |
|---|---|
| Safety switches added to an existing modern boardWhere the board is sound and has spare capacity | from $350 |
| Standard single-phase switchboard upgradeMost Hills homes. New enclosure, main switch, RCBOs on all circuits, labelling, full testing and a CCEW | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Three-phase board, or a board needing Level 2 service workLarger homes, acreage, workshops, or where the service mains need attention | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Asbestos-backed meter panel removalCommon in pre-1990 Sydney homes. Licensed removal, charged on top of the board | $500 – $1,500 |
These are indicative market ranges for Sydney in 2026, not a quote. What you pay depends on your switchboard, access and what we find. We confirm a fixed price before starting, and it doesn't move.
What customers say
Fantastic service! Friendly, efficient and well priced. Highly recommend. Thank you for swiftly fixing our switches.
Jason onsite quickly and completed the work on the spot, giving us a good price and was very polite. Would highly recommend.
Jason solved a really complex problem for our house with excellent professionalism and workmanship. Highly recommend, would def work with him again. On time delivery and within budget.
These are Google reviews for our team at Cync Electrical & Automation — the licensed contractor behind Hills Electrician. 5.0 from 20 reviews. — see the profile
Get your switchboard looked at.
Send a photo of your board and we'll tell you where you stand. Or call 0422 253 379.
Get a quote