Switchboard Upgrades Explained: What Adelaide Homeowners Need to Know
Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it’s outdated, it might not just be inefficient — it could be dangerous. In this blog, I’ll break down what’s involved in a switchboard upgrade, when you might need one, and what it typically costs in South Australia.
⚡ What Does a Switchboard Do?
Your switchboard controls the flow of electricity throughout your home. It distributes power safely to all your circuits, and modern boards are designed to trip (cut power) during faults to protect both your property and your family.
If it’s old, overloaded, or has outdated ceramic fuses, it may not trip when it should — and that’s where fires, electric shocks, and major electrical failures become a real risk.
🔥 Signs Your Switchboard Is Outdated
Ceramic fuses instead of modern circuit breakers
No RCDs or RCBOs (safety switches) installed
Burning smells near the board
Lights flickering or appliances tripping circuits
Additions to the home but no switchboard upgrade
Power outages after rain or during storms
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get it looked at.
🛡 What’s in a Modern Switchboard?
When we install a new switchboard, it includes:
RCBOs – these combine RCDs and circuit breakers into one safety device
Clear labelling for each circuit
Protection for individual circuits
Neat, compliant wiring
The option to add surge protection
This gives your home maximum safety, especially for young kids, older family members, or properties you rent out.
💸 How Much Does a Switchboard Upgrade Cost in Adelaide?
Every home is different, but here’s a general guide:
Basic upgrade (small home): from $850 to $1,200
Larger switchboards or homes with extras: up to $1,800+
We’ll assess what you need, explain your options, and give you a fixed price — no surprise bills.
🏘️ Which Suburbs Are Most at Risk?
Many older homes in northern Adelaide still have outdated fuse boxes. If you live in one of these suburbs, you’re more likely to need an upgrade:
Older Suburbs in the Northern Suburbs:
Elizabeth (South, East, Vale, Downs)
Salisbury North, Park, Plain, and Heights
Munno Para
Smithfield
Paralowie
Brahma Lodge
Craigmore
Hillbank
Surrounding Rural Towns & Outer Areas:
Gawler
Evanston
Freeling
Roseworthy
Kapunda
Two Wells
Angle Vale
Barossa Valley properties
Homes in these areas are often 30+ years old and may never have had a modern electrical upgrade.
💡 Quick Note: What’s an RCBO?
RCBO stands for Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent. It’s a modern device that combines two important safety functions:
RCD (Residual Current Device) – protects against electric shocks
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) – protects against overloads and short circuits
They’re now standard in all new switchboards we install.
🔧 What to Expect When You Book With Feltus Electrical
Fast quotes and upfront pricing
Clean, professional install
Before and after photos for your peace of mind
Fully licensed, insured and based in Craigmore
Serving Adelaide’s northern suburbs and surrounding towns
✅ Ready to Check Your Switchboard?
Not sure if your board is safe or up to code? I’ll take a look and let you know exactly where you stand — no pressure, no upsell.