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Electrician Job Guide

Electrician: Upgrade my switchboard

Upgrading a residential switchboard ranges from adding safety switches to a full board and mains replacement, with scope and approvals shaping the job.

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Estimated range

inc GST

0%

$572 to $2,206

$374$11,831

Guide price only, quotes will vary.

1 of 9 questions

Upgrade my switchboard

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19,230 local providers4.8 avg ratingTypical duration: 2-6 hours

Pricing guide

Cost varies with the scope — a minimal RCD or safety‑switch installation is typically less involved than a full single‑phase board replacement or a mains/supply upgrade. Electrician‑supplied parts and on‑site labour make up most of the electrician's quote, while distributor/utility connection charges and any trenching subcontracts are usually quoted separately. After‑hours attendance and unexpected findings can also increase the final cost.

  • Upgrade scope (RCDs vs full board)

    Installing only RCDs or safety switches is generally a smaller job than replacing the entire switchboard, which requires more labour and parts.

  • Inclusion of consumer mains/supply

    Choosing a mains or supply upgrade involves heavier materials and more complex work on the electrician's side and usually changes the job scope significantly.

  • Materials and optional extras

    The switchboard, breakers and optional items like surge protection or monitoring are electrician‑supplied and add to the parts list and installation time.

  • Discovery of additional wiring faults

    If damaged wiring, faulty breakers or other issues are found, the work can move from a minimal to a broader replacement scope and require extra labour.

  • Distributor, utility and trenching fees

    Connection charges, distributor approvals and any required trenching or subcontracted civil work are typically excluded from the electrician's supply and vary by location.

See the full electrician cost guide

Upgrade my switchboard

Estimated range

$572 – $2,206

Roughly how many circuits or items need work? (e.g. adding one new circuit, several circuits, or a full board replacement) 1

What moves this estimate

  • Upgrade scope (RCDs vs full board): Installing only RCDs or safety switches is generally a smaller job than replacing the entire switchboard, which requires more labour and parts.
  • Inclusion of consumer mains/supply: Choosing a mains or supply upgrade involves heavier materials and more complex work on the electrician's side and usually changes the job scope significantly.
  • Materials and optional extras: The switchboard, breakers and optional items like surge protection or monitoring are electrician‑supplied and add to the parts list and installation time.
  • Discovery of additional wiring faults: If damaged wiring, faulty breakers or other issues are found, the work can move from a minimal to a broader replacement scope and require extra labour.

Local results

Active providers

19,230

Average rating

4.8

  • “Had CabledIN out to install a wired Reolink doorbell and replace an exterior wall light. They were on time, professional, and explained everything clearly. The install was clean a…”

    Afnan Mazumder

  • “The two Electricians did a wonderful job on installing my Air conditioner and had done a very professional installment and were efficient with this task which was a big job which…”

    Anthony “TONY” Palmer

  • “Fast and reliable service. They arrived on time and installed a new exhaust fan. Even left the space clean. 100% would recommend”

    Daniel Fillery

How it works

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licensed electrician?
Yes — licensing is mandatory for electrical work of this type; a licensed electrician should carry out switchboard and mains work. A licensed practitioner can also provide the relevant compliance documentation on completion.
Will distributor approvals or fees be required?
For a mains or supply change, distributor or utility involvement is often required and their connection charges usually vary by location. Those fees and any approvals are generally separate from the electrician's quote.
How long does an upgrade usually take?
Duration depends on scope: a standalone RCD installation is typically quicker than a full board replacement or mains upgrade. If distributor approvals, additional testing or unexpected faults are involved, scheduling and completion can take longer.
What happens if more problems are found?
If an electrician discovers additional wiring faults or faulty components, the job will usually shift to a broader scope and require extra work. Tradespeople will typically discuss the findings and provide a revised scope or recommendation before proceeding.
Is the SureQuote estimate a quote, and why can a tradie's quote be different?
No. Your estimate is a guide price for a typical job that matches your answers. A tradie prices your actual job in their quote, once they've seen things like access, condition, materials and the full scope. Read the full answer
What happens after I submit my job, and how many tradies will contact me?
We email you your estimate and a link to your job. Up to 3 local tradies can take it and contact you to quote; only they get your name, phone and email, and you choose who to hire, if anyone. Read the full answer
Is it free to get quotes, and does the tradie's fee raise my price?
Yes, getting quotes is free and you don't have to hire anyone. Tradies pay us a capped fee to take your job, and we set it before they quote, so nothing is added to your quote. Read the full answer
Can I add photos to my job?
Yes. Add up to 10 photos in the chat after you give your contact details, or later from the job in Hire, and tradies see them before they take the job. Read the full answer
Do I have to hire one of the tradies?
No. Getting quotes is free, you're never obliged to hire anyone, and you pay only the tradie you choose to hire. Read the full answer
Does SureQuote check tradies' licences and insurance?
We collect each business's ABN, licence, insurance and warranty details and keep them as up to date as we can, so you can see them in one place on its profile. We don't guarantee them, so always check the licence yourself on the relevant licence register before you hire. Read the full answer

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