A standard switchboard upgrade usually takes 4 to 8 hours on site depending on the size of the board, the number of circuits and whether the meter box or the supply also needs work. We’ll confirm the time once we’ve seen your board, so you can plan around the power being off.
Every home is different, so here’s what changes the time and what to expect on the day.
What affects how long a switchboard upgrade takes?
✓ The size of the board. A small board is a simpler job than a large one in a bigger home.
✓ The number of circuits. Each one is connected, labelled and tested. New circuits for air con or an EV charger add time.
✓ What we find behind the board. Old wiring sometimes shows faults once it’s tested. We stop and show you before going further.
✓ The meter box and mains. If the meter box or the mains (the cable that brings power from the street to your board) need work too, the job grows.
✓ An old backing board. Some older backing boards contain asbestos, which has to be handled properly and can add steps.
✓ Network involvement. Some jobs need Ausgrid, the network that supplies power in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, to disconnect or reconnect the supply. Their timing can affect yours.
✓ Testing at the end. Every circuit and safety switch is tested before the power goes back on. This part isn’t rushed.
| What affects the time | Why it adds time |
|---|---|
| The size of the board | A large board is a bigger job than a small one |
| The number of circuits | Each one is connected, labelled and tested |
| The meter box and mains | If they need work too, the job grows |
| An old backing board | Some contain asbestos, which has to be handled properly |
| Network involvement | Ausgrid’s timing can affect yours |
Will my power be off during a switchboard upgrade?
Yes, for most of the job. The power to your home has to be off while the old board comes out and the new one goes in. It comes back on once everything is connected and tested.
Our switchboard jobs come with honest time estimates, so you know how long the power will be off.
How should I prepare for a switchboard upgrade?
A little planning makes the day much easier:
✓ Fridge and freezer: keep the doors shut while the power is off. Avoid a big shop the day before.
✓ Working from home: your modem and Wi-Fi will be off. Charge your laptop and phone, or plan to work somewhere else for the day.
✓ Medical equipment: if anyone in the house relies on powered medical equipment, tell us when you book so we can plan around it.
✓ Access: clear a path to the switchboard and meter box, and keep pets inside or out of the way.
✓ Afterwards: you may need to reset clocks, timers, garage door openers or the pool pump.
What happens on the day
- We arrive in the time window we agreed with you.
- We look over the board and talk you through the plan.
- The power goes off, the old board comes out and the new one goes in.
- Every circuit is tested. All safety switches will be active before we mark the job as complete.
- We show you the new board, clean up, and leave you with a Certificate of Compliance in hand.
Not sure whether you need a new board at all? Here are the signs it’s time to upgrade your switchboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home during a switchboard upgrade?
It helps if someone is there at the start, so we can go over the plan, and at the end, so we can show you the new board. If that’s hard to arrange, talk to us when you book.
Can you tell me exactly how long it will take?
Not until we’ve seen your board. Once we have, we’ll tell you how long the power is likely to be off.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
Pricing depends on several factors, including the size of the board and what else needs work. Our switchboard upgrade cost guide explains what affects it, or call us to discuss your home.
Talk to Insight Electrical about your switchboard
We’re a family-owned team based in Redhead, with 40+ years combined experience. Call 0468 043 743 (Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm) or contact us online to book a look at your board. You can also read more about our switchboard upgrades in Newcastle.