Switchboard upgrades for safety and reliability
Older homes across New Zealand often still rely on fuse-style switchboards that weren't built for today's power demands. We'll upgrade yours with minimal disruption.
Honest Electrical replaces and upgrades switchboards for Dunedin homes and businesses with minimal disruption. A modern board adds circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs) and leaves room for extras like solar or an EV charger. Burn marks, buzzing, a burning smell, no RCDs or ceramic fuses are all reasons to get yours looked at.
Why upgrade to a new switchboard?
Modern households run multiple high-draw appliances, heat pumps, EV chargers, induction cooktops and home offices, that can easily overload an old system.
Improved Safety
Safety switches protect you and your family from electric shock.
Fire Prevention
Circuit breakers and modern wiring reduce overheating and electrical fire risk.
Greater Capacity
Handle today's appliances and future upgrades like solar or EV charging.
Insurance Compliance
Many insurers require electrical systems to meet current standards.
Peace of Mind
Know your electrical system is safe, compliant and reliable.
Signs you may need a switchboard upgrade
New switchboards for renovations and new builds
If you're building or renovating, a properly designed switchboard is essential for a safe and efficient electrical setup. We'll design and install a new switchboard that meets NZ electrical standards, fits your home's layout, and provides room for future expansion, whether that's solar, smart home systems, or EV charging.
What happens during a switchboard upgrade
Assessment and quote
We look at your existing board and supply, talk through what you need now and what you might add later, and give you a clear quote.
Planning the outage
The power to your home is off for part of the job. We plan the timing with you and tell you how long to expect once we have seen your board.
New board installed
A modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches goes in, laid out with room for future expansion.
Testing and inspection
We test the work. WorkSafe says some electrical work, particularly on the main switchboard, must be inspected, and your electrician arranges that.
Certificate and records
You receive the paperwork for your home records. It may be needed for insurance claims or when you sell.
Why switchboard work is for licensed electricians
A switchboard is where every circuit in your home comes together, so the work has to be right. WorkSafe has warned electrical workers about switchboard damage consistent with loose connections, which can develop over time through natural movement in buildings, and recommends homeowners watch for heat marks, flickering lights, unusual smells and crackling sounds.
Please do not open a switchboard or touch anything inside it. If you notice any of those signs, turn off the main switch and call an electrician.
Sources and further reading: WorkSafe: Switchboard installation (advice to homeowners), WorkSafe: Getting electrical work done.
What Dunedin says
33 reviews and counting on Google.
"Very satisfied with the work done by Honest Electrical. Also identified some non-compliant issues with the switchboard and promptly dealt with these."
John Broad"Tim did a great job updating my residential circuit board. He also identified and fixed my earth rod I didn't realise was damaged."
Daniel Lightfoot"I have used Honest Electrical several times over the years and I have always had great service and quality workmanship and reasonable pricing."
Barry HansenUpgrading switchboards across Dunedin
We upgrade switchboards in homes and businesses across Dunedin city and the wider Otago region, whether you are renovating, adding an EV charger or heat pump, or just want to know your board is in good order.
Honest Electrical
38A Bay View Road
South Dunedin 9012
Open 7 days, 8am to 5pm
027 277 8316
tim@honestelectrical.co.nz
Common questions
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
Heat marks, burning smells, crackling sounds, flickering lights or repeated tripping all justify a professional look, as does planning to add something big like an EV charger. None of these automatically means replacement. An assessment tells you what, if anything, is needed.
Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?
Common causes include an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, moisture or a damaged connection. One trip is often harmless, but repeated or unexplained trips are worth having checked by a licensed electrician. Read more: Why does a circuit breaker keep tripping? Common causes and when to call an electrician
Can my switchboard handle an EV charger?
It depends on your supply, your other loads and the condition of the board. An electrician assesses these before installation, and you should never open or modify a switchboard yourself.
Will the power be off during a switchboard upgrade?
Yes, the power to your home is off for part of the job while the board is changed. We plan the timing with you and tell you how long to expect once we have seen your switchboard.
Does a new switchboard need to be inspected?
WorkSafe says the law requires some electrical work, particularly work on the main switchboard, the main cable and the main earth, to be inspected by a licensed inspector. Your electrician is responsible for arranging it, and you should keep the inspection report with your Certificates of Compliance.
Can I upgrade my switchboard myself?
No. Switchboard work should always be done by a licensed electrician. Please do not open a switchboard or touch anything inside it. If you notice heat marks, smells or noises, turn off the main switch and call an electrician.
Time to upgrade your switchboard?
Get in touch today and we'll sort a time that works for you.