Complete electrical services
for homes and businesses.
On Time. On Point. On Budget.
ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL WORK
Friendly, prompt, knowledgable sparkies
Complete electrical services
for homes and businesses.
Call us now
Whangārei Locals Recommend Us
In New Zealand, most switchboard upgrades fall between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the size and age of your home. Older villas or houses with dated wiring may need extra work, which can push the price a bit higher. Think of it as upgrading the “engine room” of your electrical system — the more that needs to be brought up to today’s standards, the more involved the job becomes. A good electrician will always assess your setup first so there are no surprises.
A switchboard upgrade usually involves turning off your home’s power, removing the old fuses or breakers, and installing modern RCD or RCBO protection. The electrician then tidies or adjusts the wiring, labels all circuits clearly, and performs thorough testing to make sure everything meets NZ electrical standards. Once complete, you receive your compliance documents — and you’re left with a far safer, more dependable electrical setup.
A switchboard upgrade means replacing your old panel with a modern board that meets current safety requirements. This usually includes removing ceramic fuses or outdated breakers and installing RCD or RCBO protection to dramatically improve safety. Upgrading helps your home cope better with modern electrical loads and reduces the risk of electrical fires or shocks. It’s one of the most effective ways to make an older home safer.
Yes — many homes can have their switchboard upgraded without needing a full house rewire. If your existing wiring is still in good condition, it can be safely connected into the new board. A rewire is only required when the wiring is too old, brittle, or unsafe to meet today’s standards. Your electrician will test and inspect the wiring beforehand so you know exactly what’s needed before any work begins.
A typical switchboard upgrade takes around 4 to 8 hours, making it a same-day job for most households. Homes with older or messy wiring may take a bit longer, as additional tidy-up work or circuit adjustments might be needed. Once the new board is installed, everything is tested thoroughly before your power is switched back on, giving you peace of mind that the system is running safely.
Yes — all switchboard upgrades in New Zealand must be certified. Your electrician will issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and most upgrades also require a Record of Inspection (RoI) from an independent inspector. These documents confirm that the work meets NZ electrical regulations and is safe for ongoing use. They’re also valuable for insurance and resale purposes as proof that the electrics have been upgraded correctly.
There are several signs that an upgrade may be needed, such as ceramic fuses, frequent tripping, burning smells, buzzing sounds, or scorch marks around the board. If your home is older, or you’re adding high-demand appliances like heat pumps or EV chargers, your switchboard may not be able to keep up. Many homes built before the 1990s simply weren’t designed for today’s electrical loads, so an upgrade can make your system far safer and more reliable.
witchboards must be easy to access, kept dry, and installed at a safe working height. They need a clear space around them so electricians can work safely — no squeezing them behind furniture or in damp areas. Bathrooms and wet rooms are off-limits unless special enclosures are used, and outdoor switchboards must be fully weatherproof. These rules ensure safety and make future maintenance straightforward.
QUICK RESPONSE
Fully accredited , skilled electricians
ready to meet your needs today
SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON
Your Local Whangārei Electricians
