Insights & Expertise From the Field

Old switchboards weren’t built for modern electrical loads and pose serious risks — overheating, lack of safety switches, overloaded circuits, and even denied insurance claims. While it’s tempting to delay upgrades, emergency failures, compliance triggers, and costly downtime often force rushed replacements at higher expense. Proactive upgrades deliver safety, reliability, and future capacity for solar, batteries, and EV chargers — making them a smarter, more cost-effective choice than waiting for failure.

Many older switchboards can’t handle today’s electrical loads or safety standards. Warning signs include ceramic fuses, no safety switches (RCDs), frequent tripping, visible damage, or boards older than 25 years. Upgrading ensures compliance with Australian regulations, reduces fire and electrocution risks, and protects property and residents.

Queensland law does not force every old switchboard to be replaced. It does, however, force upgrades whenever you alter, extend, or add to electrical installations. Those works must meet the current Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018) and Electrical Safety Act/Regulation. In practice: if you touch an outdated board, you bring it up to today’s standard—typically by adding safety switches (RCDs) and modern protection.

Old switchboards weren’t built for modern electrical loads and pose serious risks — overheating, lack of safety switches, overloaded circuits, and even denied insurance claims. While it’s tempting to delay upgrades, emergency failures, compliance triggers, and costly downtime often force rushed replacements at higher expense. Proactive upgrades deliver safety, reliability, and future capacity for solar, batteries, and EV chargers — making them a smarter, more cost-effective choice than waiting for failure.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs), or safety switches, are life-saving devices that cut power instantly when electrical faults or shocks occur. In Queensland, they’ve been compulsory on power circuits since 1992 and on lighting circuits since 2000, with strict requirements for property transfers, rentals, and workplaces. Without RCDs, properties face heightened electrocution risks, compliance breaches, and insurance issues. Installing them ensures legal compliance, protects people, and prepares switchboards for future electrical demands.