Hot Water System Wiring – Do You Need a Changeover Switch?
If your electric hot water system is running on off-peak (jet) tariff, you might be wondering if it’s worth adding a manual changeover switch — or whether you need one at all.
At Feltus Electrical, we install, upgrade, and troubleshoot hot water wiring and changeover switches across Craigmore, Gawler, Elizabeth, and surrounding suburbs.
⚡ What Is a Changeover Switch?
A changeover switch allows you to manually flick your hot water system from off-peak tariff to normal tariff power.
That means if you run out of hot water outside of off-peak hours (like late at night or on the weekend), you can switch it to full-time power temporarily — without waiting until the next cycle.
💭 Is Jet Tariff Still a Thing?
Yes — off-peak (jet) tariffs are still used in some parts of South Australia, particularly on older homes or properties where cost-saving is important. It’s a cheaper rate, but only heats water during set hours (usually overnight).
If your hot water system is wired into a jet tariff circuit:
You may run out of hot water during the day
You won’t be able to boost it manually unless you have a changeover switch installed
This can be frustrating for bigger households or homes with lots of usage
🔌 What We Install (and When)
We typically install:
Hager changeover switches (quality gear that lasts)
RCBOs for safety and protection (residual current breaker with overload)
All work is tested, certified, and includes a Certificate of Compliance
In some homes, a changeover switch isn’t required — especially if the system is already on standard tariff or if it’s a newer installation with a smart meter. But for many of our customers in Craigmore, Hillbank, Gawler, and Kapunda, it’s a simple, affordable upgrade that adds real convenience.
🧰 What It Looks Like
Small switch installed neatly near your switchboard or in a weatherproof box
Labeled clearly so you know which position is off-peak vs normal power
Once installed, you just flick the switch when needed
No digging, no visible cabling, and a clean install that lasts
📍 Where We Work
We regularly install and upgrade hot water changeover switches across:
Craigmore, Blakeview, Hillbank
Gawler, Evanston, Freeling, and Roseworthy
Elizabeth, Munno Para, and Salisbury areas
Kapunda and surrounding rural suburbs
📲 Need your hot water setup sorted properly?
We’ll walk you through the options and get it done cleanly and safely.
👉 Book Online Now
📞 Call Ben at Feltus Electrical: 0490 383 605