Switchboard upgrade before renovating

When people plan a renovation, the switchboard is rarely on the mood board. Benchtops, tiles and tapware get the attention. Yet the board is what feeds every new power point, light and appliance you are about to add. If it is old or already full, the renovation can stall at the worst possible moment.

Why the board matters for a renovation

New circuits need space

A kitchen renovation might add circuits for an induction cooktop, a wall oven, a dishwasher and benchtop power. An extension adds lighting and power circuits. A bathroom may add heated towel rails or underfloor heating. Each needs its own protection at the board. If there are no spare positions, you have a problem.

New work must meet current rules

Alterations and additions generally need to meet current wiring rules, including RCD protection for the new circuits. If your board has ceramic fuses and no safety switches, the new work may not be able to connect to it as it stands.

Load adds up

Swapping gas for induction, adding air conditioning, or planning for a pool or sauna later all increase demand. It is better to know early whether the board and supply can handle it.

Timing it with the build

The best time to upgrade the board is usually at the start, before rough in. That way:

• New circuits connect straight into a board with room to spare
• Power outages happen once, during demolition, not after you have moved back in
• Any surprises in the meter box are found before budgets are locked in
• Temporary power for trades can be arranged cleanly

If you are working with a builder, we fit into their program. We also do overflow work for builders and other tradies, so we are used to working to someone else's schedule.

While the walls are open

A renovation is also the cheapest moment to check the wiring in the affected rooms. If we find old rubber insulated cable or tired circuits, replacing them while the frame is exposed is far simpler than chasing walls later. Our rewiring page explains more. Customers have told us we rewired their house for a renovation, and planning it early is what kept that job smooth.

It is also a good time to install hard wired, interconnected smoke alarms and think about extra power points, USB outlets and lighting while access is easy.

Questions to ask before you start

• Does my board have spare space for the new circuits
• Are there safety switches on every circuit
• Is there anything in the meter box that needs fixing first
• Can the supply handle the new appliances I am planning
• Should I run extra cable or conduit now for future plans

Write the answers down and share them with your builder or designer. It keeps everyone working from the same plan and avoids the classic problem of discovering at fit off that the board cannot take one more circuit.

Older homes in particular

Renovations in older homes around Lake Illawarra, Dapto and Unanderra often uncover original boards with ceramic fuses and backing panels that may contain asbestos. It is far better to find these at the planning stage than halfway through demolition. See meter box hazards in older Illawarra homes.

Get the board checked first

Before your builder starts, send a photo of your switchboard and a copy of your plans to Kalani on 0424 400 346. Call or text. We will tell you whether the board can handle the renovation or what needs doing first. More on our renovation and new home electrical and switchboard services pages.