Avoid These 5 Switchboard Upgrade Mistakes

Upgrading your switchboard keeps your home safe, compliant, and ready for modern power demands. This blog covers five common mistakes and explains how to avoid costly risks by trusting licensed professionals.

How to Avoid Common Error During Switchboard Upgrades

Upgrading the switchboard is an important step in improving your home’s electrical safety, performance, and compliance with current Australian standards. A modern switchboard is designed to handle today’s high-powered appliances, protect against electrical faults, and reduce the risk of fire or electric shock. Whether you’re renovating, installing new appliances, or experiencing frequent circuit trips, ensuring your switchboard is properly upgraded is essential.

However, mistakes during a switchboard upgrade create serious safety hazards, compliance issues, and expensive repairs down the track. In this guide, we will explore five common mistakes homeowners make during switchboard upgrades and how to avoid them to keep your home safe, efficient, and future-ready.

1. Choosing the Cheapest Quote Over Quality

A switchboard upgrade isn’t just about swapping out old parts. It involves load calculations, circuit planning, safety device installation, and compliance with Australian standards (AS/NZS 3000).

Choosing a low-cost provider results in:

Poor workmanship
Incorrect circuit protection
Non-compliant installations
Insurance issues if something goes wrong

For a safe, compliant, and future-proof upgrade in Adelaide, trust the licensed experts. Our team at Aquila Electrical provides compliant, high-quality switchboard upgrades designed for long-term safety and performance.

2. Not Upgrading for Future Power Needs

One of the common mistakes during switchboard upgrades is only planning for current electricity needs, ignoring future additions like solar panels, EV chargers, air conditioning, home renovations, or high-powered appliances. Without accounting for these, switchboards become overloaded, leading to another costly upgrade in just a few years.

A licensed electrician can access current load, available capacity, and space for extra circuits to handle future demands. Upgrading the switchboard with future needs in mind ensures your home’s electrical system stays safe, efficient, and ready for any new appliances by saving you time, money, and stress later.

3. Neglecting Circuit Protection & RCD Installation

Modern switchboards must include Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and properly sized circuit breakers. These safety devices are essential in preventing electric shocks, overloading, and electrical fires.

Common mistakes include:

Installing incorrectly sized breakers for circuits
Grouping too many circuits under a single RCD
Failing to label circuits clearly
Leaving older wiring unprotected

Improperly installed protection results in frequent tripping, fire hazards, or even serious injury. A licensed electrician ensures each circuit has the right protection, proper labelling, and compliance with Australian standards.

4. Ignoring Existing Wiring Issues

Upgrading the switchboard without inspecting your home’s existing wiring is a risky mistake. Older homes often have wiring that is:

Worn or damaged insulation
Loose connections
Undersized cables for modern electrical loads
Mixed old and new wiring systems

If these issues aren’t addressed, even a new switchboard won’t protect and leave your home at risk of fires, shocks, or appliance damage. A licensed electrician should always perform a thorough home wiring inspection before completing a switchboard upgrade to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with Australian standards.

5. DIY Electrical Work Without Proper Knowledge

Switchboard upgrades are not a DIY job. In South Australia, electrical work must be carried out by licensed electricians to comply with legal and safety requirements.

Common risks of DIY Electrical work include:

Electrocution or serious injury
Fire hazards due to faulty wiring
Voided insurance policies if something goes wrong
Fines for non-compliance
Costly rectification work to fix mistakes

A switchboard control entire home's electrical system. Cutting corners puts your family, property, and future compliance at risk. Always trust a licensed electrician for safe and reliable upgrades.

Learn More: The Hidden risks of DIY Electrical Work

Why is a Proper Switchboard Upgrade Important

A switchboard upgrade isn’t just a technical task; it’s a step in keeping your home safe and reliable. When done correctly, a professional upgrade provides:

Improved fire protection
Protection against electric shock
Better performance for modern appliances
Compliance with Australian regulations

If you notice flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, or are still relying on old ceramic fuses, it’s a sign that your switchboard needs professional attention. For homeowners in Adelaide, the licensed electrician at Aquila Electrical can inspect, upgrade, and future-proof your switchboard for ultimate safety and performance.

Need a Switchboard Upgrade in Adelaide?

A safe and reliable switchboard is essential for protecting from electrical hazards. Avoiding mistakes like DIY work, ignoring future power needs, or overlooking wiring issues ensures your system runs smoothly and meets Australian safety standards. A professional upgrade not only prevents costly repairs but also improves efficiency and peace of mind.

If you’re in Adelaide and ready to secure your home with a safe, compliant, and future-proof switchboard, our licensed electrician at Aquila Electrical can help. We provide thorough inspections, expert upgrades, and advice tailored to your home’s current and future electrical needs. Contact Aquila Electrical today to schedule your switchboard upgrade and keep your home powered safely and efficiently.

📞 Call us on 0488 551 630

‍📍 Based in Hove, SA 5048