Frequently Asked Questions

The clearest signs are ceramic fuses or rewireable fuse wire, no safety switches, breakers that trip repeatedly, flickering lights when appliances start up, or a board that buzzes, feels warm or smells of burning. If your home was built before the 1990s and the board has never been touched, it’s very likely due.

Cost depends on the size of your home, the number of circuits, the condition of your existing wiring and whether asbestos or a meter relocation is involved. [Insert client’s typical range here.] We give fixed quotes after inspecting the board so there are no surprises on the day.

Most residential upgrades are done in a single day. Larger homes, three phase work or boards needing asbestos removal can run longer, and we’ll tell you upfront if that applies to you.

Yes, for part of the job. Expect several hours without power while the board is replaced. If you rely on medical equipment or need to keep a fridge or freezer running, let us know when you book and we’ll plan around it.

Someone over 18 needs to be on site to give us access and to be there when we test and hand over. You don’t need to watch the whole job, but we’ll need to talk you through the new board at the end.

Not on its own. But once electrical work is done on a circuit, that circuit must comply with current wiring rules, which means safety switches. Rental properties have their own obligations under Victorian rental minimum standards, and many insurers will ask questions if an old board contributes to a fire.

It’s the document confirming the work meets Australian standards and was carried out by a licensed electrician. Yes, you’ll receive one for every job. Keep it, because your insurer, your conveyancer or a future buyer may ask for it.

Sometimes, if the existing board is in good condition and has room. Often there isn’t space, or the board is too old to work with safely, and a full replacement ends up being the better value option. We’ll tell you honestly which situation you’re in.

Most homes don’t. You may need it if you’re adding ducted air conditioning, a large solar system, an EV charger, a pool, a workshop or if you’re going all electric. We can assess your current supply and tell you whether single phase will still cope.

Asbestos backing boards were common until the mid 1980s and they’re safe if left undisturbed, but they can’t stay once we’re working on the board. Removal has to be done by a licensed removalist following the correct process. We’ll identify it during the quote so it’s costed in from the start.