How Much Does a Switchboard Upgrade Cost in Melbourne?

Quick answer

For a typical house in Melbourne’s west, a switchboard upgrade usually costs between $1,200 and $2,500. Smaller units with only a few circuits sit at the lower end. Bigger homes, boards mounted on asbestos, or jobs that need a new enclosure or extra circuits sit higher.

You should always get a fixed written quote after an electrician has looked at your board. Be wary of prices given over the phone without seeing it.

What affects the price

• Number of circuits. Each circuit needs its own RCBO safety switch, so more circuits means more parts and labour.
• Enclosure size and condition. If the existing box is too small or damaged, a new enclosure is needed.
• Asbestos backing. Many older boards are mounted on a black panel that may contain asbestos. It has to be handled correctly, which adds cost.
• Meter and distributor work. Some upgrades need your distributor (Jemena or Powercor in the west) to disconnect power or move the meter.
• Extra circuits. Adding circuits for air conditioning, an oven, an EV charger or solar at the same time.
• Surge protection. An optional add-on that protects electronics from spikes.

What’s included in a proper upgrade

• A new main switch and RCBO safety switches on every final circuit
• Clearly labelled circuits
• Testing of every circuit to AS/NZS 3000
• A Certificate of Electrical Safety, which the law requires for this work
• Removal of the old fuses and board

If a quote doesn’t mention testing and a Certificate of Electrical Safety, ask why.

Signs your switchboard needs upgrading

• Ceramic fuses with fuse wire
• No safety switch, or one safety switch covering the whole house
• Breakers that trip often, or lights that dim when appliances start
• Scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell (call an electrician straight away)
• You’re adding solar, a battery, an EV charger, air conditioning or renovating

RCD vs RCBO: what’s the difference?

An RCD (safety switch) protects a group of circuits from electric shock. An RCBO does the same job for a single circuit and includes a circuit breaker. With RCBOs, a fault on one circuit only cuts power to that circuit, so the fridge doesn’t go off because the kettle is faulty.

How long does it take?

Most homes are done in half a day to a day. The power is off for part of that time, and a good electrician will tell you the shutdown window in advance.

Need help?

RNP Electrical is a licensed local electrician (REC 34060) based in Altona North, covering all of Melbourne’s west. See our Switchboard Upgrades service, or call Rami on 0402 132 759 for a fixed-price quote.