Switchboard cost depends on the work required—not just the size or age of the enclosure. A targeted device replacement, added safety-switch protection and a full board replacement are different scopes.
This guide gives indicative planning examples and explains what to confirm in a quote. An assessment is needed before deciding which option suits the installation.
Indicative price ranges by scope
- Adding safety switches to a suitable existing board: approximately $400–$900, subject to space, circuit condition and compatibility.
- Partial upgrade with added protection: approximately $900–$1,800, where the existing arrangement can be retained safely.
- Full replacement in a standard home: approximately $1,800–$3,500, depending on the equipment, circuits and testing required.
- Larger or more complex replacement: approximately $3,500–$6,500, where circuit count, access or additional wiring increases the work.
- Targeted repair for a faulty breaker or RCD: approximately $280–$650, once the cause has been established.
These are guide ranges, not AB Electrical quotes. They are not interchangeable allowances: confirm the products, testing, documentation, tax treatment and exclusions for your job.
What changes the final price?
Condition and arrangement
Damaged components, connections, enclosure condition and existing circuit protection affect the scope. Ceramic fuses or an old-looking board alone do not establish whether a full replacement is required.
Suspected asbestos-containing backing needs appropriate assessment and handling arrangements. Do not disturb it to take a photo or identify the material.
Circuits and proposed equipment
The number of circuits and the changes needed affect installation, labelling and testing. If appliances or other loads are being added, assess the circuit and supply requirements as well.
Replacing the switchboard does not automatically increase incoming supply capacity. Any Level 2 connection work should be identified separately, with the relevant authorisations and distributor coordination.
Access and power interruption
Height, enclosure location and restricted access can affect the work. Tell the electrician about essential medical equipment, refrigeration or business operations before the power-off window is planned.
Most standard residential upgrades are completed in a day, but the actual interruption depends on the installation and related work. Do not assume a temporary supply is included or possible.
What a quote should distinguish
Ask whether the proposal covers a repair, protection upgrade or complete replacement. Confirm:
- The equipment and circuits being changed.
- Testing and correction of any identified defects.
- Labelling and electrical compliance documentation.
- Access or enclosure changes.
- Supply coordination or other trades, where needed.
- How additional findings and costs will be discussed.
A price for board work is not automatically a price to rewire the property. Nor is the completed-work certificate a guarantee that all concealed existing wiring has been inspected.
Repair or replacement?
A tripping device may be operating correctly because of a fault elsewhere. Diagnose the cause before replacing it. Where a device is defective, a targeted repair may be suitable.
Full replacement can be justified by the condition, arrangement or extent of proposed changes. Ask why a smaller repair would or would not meet the requirements. Our switchboard upgrade guide explains the distinction.
Common misunderstandings
A quoted range is a quote. The planning ranges above describe the spread of typical scopes; they are not an offer for a particular board. The price for your installation follows the assessment.
Adding safety switches is a small job on every board. Whether protection can be added to an existing board depends on space, the condition of the circuits and the compatibility of the devices. On some boards it is straightforward; on others it is the point at which replacement becomes the sensible option.
The certificate means the whole house has been checked. The compliance documentation relates to the work carried out and the circuits tested as part of it. It is not a whole-property inspection unless that was agreed as part of the scope.
A new board fixes tripping. If a device trips because of a fault on a circuit or in an appliance, a new board with a new device will trip for the same reason. The cause needs to be found first.
What to note before you call
Describe what prompted the enquiry: a fault, an inspection finding, a defect notice, a renovation or planned appliances. Say what you can see from a safe position, such as the number of circuits, whether devices have test buttons, whether any labels are legible and whether the enclosure is metal or plastic. Mention medical equipment, refrigeration or business operations that a power interruption would affect, and whether the board is inside, outside or in a shared area.
If you have a previous report or the distributor's notice, keep it for the assessment. There is no need to count fuses behind a cover or to test anything; the electrician does that as part of the visit.
Getting the board assessed
AB Electrical can assess switchboard repair and upgrade work and provide a written quote for planned work. Describe the issue and any proposed appliances. Photos are optional and only useful if taken safely without opening covers.
Do not approach a wet, hot, damaged or sparking board. For smoke, fire or immediate danger, leave and call 000. Call about an urgent electrical fault from a safe place rather than waiting for a quote form response.
For heat, a burning smell, arcing or visible damage at the board, call 0405 343 343 from a safe place. For a planned assessment and written quote, send an enquiry with the suburb, a short description of the reason for the work, and photos of the closed board only if they can be taken safely.
