Ask an Electrician: Your Top 10 Switchboard Upgrade Questions Answered

If you're managing a commercial property, chances are a switchboard upgrade has come up at some point. And maybe, like a lot of people, you’ve pushed it aside thinking, "It’s probably fine for now." At Melbourne Wiring Services, we hear a lot from clients who are unsure of what's wrong. The truth is, old switchboards are often hidden behind walls or tucked in corners, forgotten until something goes wrong. But with modern businesses using more power than ever, ignoring it isn’t worth the risk anymore.

Why is a switchboard upgrade important for commercial properties?

Outdated boards can’t handle today’s demand. That’s just the start of the problem. Many older commercial buildings were built at a time when lighting, a fridge, and a few outlets were all that were needed to be powered. Now it’s servers, automated systems, security, and kitchen equipment, all running at once.

Our electricians at Melbourne Wiring Services regularly see overloaded switchboards that are close to failure. Once these old systems reach their limit, things can get dangerous fast. A switchboard upgrade helps prevent that and gets your building up to standard.

What signs indicate that my switchboard is no longer safe or compliant?

There are a few red flags to watch for, and honestly, most people miss them until it’s too late. Tripped circuits, flickering lights, and burning smells; none of these should be ignored. Sometimes it's more subtle, like slight humming noises or warmth around the board. We've found old ceramic fuses in properties still running daily operations, which really shouldn't be happening. At Melbourne Wiring Services, we recommend regular inspections, especially if your switchboard is over ten or fifteen years old. Compliance issues can creep up quietly and quickly.

Will a switchboard upgrade disrupt my daily operations significantly?

Most businesses assume it’ll be a big mess, but it usually isn’t, at least not when handled professionally. Yes, power needs to be shut off during parts of the job, but we work with your schedule. We at Melbourne Wiring Services plan upgrades around off-peak hours or organise staged work to keep disruption minimal. In most cases, things are back up and running the same day. The key is coordination and knowing exactly what your site needs. We sort that out well before we touch a single wire.

What does the upgrade process involve from start to finish?

First off, it’s not only switching a box and calling it a day. It starts with isolating power and removing the outdated gear like old fuses, unsafe wiring, or burnt-out breakers. Then we install new safety switches, circuit breakers, and relabel everything properly. Testing is thorough because safety always comes first. And yes, we issue a compliance certificate too, once it’s done. Our technicians at Melbourne Wiring Services also walk you through the new setup so there’s no confusion when you open the cabinet later.

How much does a switchboard upgrade usually cost for commercial clients?

Costs vary depending on the type of upgrade and effort, no surprise there. Smaller upgrades for offices or shops might start around $1,500, while larger systems will push beyond that. Factors like how accessible the board is, whether extra circuits are needed, and existing wiring all play a part. At Melbourne Wiring Services, we always break things down clearly in our quotation before we start working. That way, you know where every dollar is going before the work starts. It’s an upfront cost, sure, but one that saves bigger headaches and expenses later.

Does my switchboard need to comply with any specific regulations?

Absolutely, and those standards aren’t optional. Australian regulations now require Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that shut off power fast to prevent electrocution. There are also rules around labelling, load balancing, and how much clearance is needed around the board itself. We carefully consider all of this, so you don’t have to. When we complete a switchboard upgrade, you get documentation proving your compliance. Our team at Melbourne Wiring Services makes sure every upgrade meets or exceeds those standards with no exceptions6. No Safety Switches

Modern switchboards are legally required to include safety switches, which cut power instantly if an electrical fault is detected. If your switchboard lacks these, upgrading is not only a safety issue—it may also be required by law.

What industries benefit most from a switchboard upgrade?

Almost every commercial industry can benefit, though some more urgently than others. Retail stores, manufacturing sites, cafes, gyms, clinics; the more equipment, the more pressure on your board. We’ve seen setups where businesses outgrew their electrical systems but didn’t know it until the outages started. That’s especially common with food businesses and warehouses. A switchboard upgrade helps manage that growing load before it turns into damage or downtime. Planning ahead gives you space to grow safely.

Can I schedule a switchboard upgrade alongside other electrical work?

Yes and we actually recommend it. If you’re already planning to upgrade lighting, we recommend installing data cabling, or adding surge protection, as combining the work saves time and cost. Instead of calling in electricians every time and opening up walls repeatedly when something goes wrong, why not do it in one go? At Melbourne Wiring Services, we coordinate projects so everything runs together. It’s a cleaner, faster, more cost-effective approach, especially for businesses with limited operating windows or tight deadlines.

How do I know if my upgraded switchboard will support future growth?

We don’t just build for today; that’s short-sighted. Our electricians ask about your plans, like new machinery, more computers, solar, or EV chargers. Based on that, we design a board that handles more than your current demand. This includes spare circuit capacity and enough safety features to support new systems later. Our professional team at Melbourne Wiring Services always thinks ahead when upgrading commercial boards. You shouldn’t need another upgrade every few years just because you added a fridge or a server rack.

What are the risks of delaying a switchboard upgrade?

Delays often don’t seem risky until something breaks or an accident happens. And when it does, it’s usually costly. Equipment gets fried, lights go out mid-shift, and sometimes entire sites shut down while emergency repairs are arranged. And with a fire or injury, non-compliance can void your insurance. These aren’t scare tactics, just things we’ve seen too many times. A switchboard upgrade is one of those things you’ll wish you did earlier, not later. It’s just not worth the gamble when people’s safety is involved.

Now that we’ve answered your questions, here are a few we might ask before we get started:

• Have you noticed any load issues during busy hours?

• Are you planning to install high-demand equipment soon?

• Is the switchboard easily accessible during business hours?

• Has your energy provider flagged any compliance issues?

• Do you need us to keep essential systems powered during the workday?

Get Your Switchboard Upgrade Today!

Still unsure whether your board’s due for an upgrade? That’s totally fine, we’re here to help. Contact Melbourne Wiring Services, and we’ll send a licensed technician to inspect your system and talk you through it. No pressure, no upsell, just clear advice based on what we see on site. Whether it’s an urgent replacement or just time to modernise, we’ve got your back. Let’s make sure your business is running safely and efficiently, now and long term.