Switchboard Upgrade Cost NZ 2025: Complete Pricing Guide
Quick Answer
Switchboard upgrades in New Zealand cost $1,500-3,000 for standard residential upgrades. Basic upgrades cost $1,500-2,000. Full upgrades with RCD protection cost $2,000-3,000. Complex upgrades or larger homes: $3,000-5,000. Includes labour, materials, and Certificate of Compliance.
Switchboard Upgrade Cost Breakdown
| Upgrade Type | Cost Range (NZD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Upgrade (fuses to circuit breakers) | $1,500-2,000 | 3-5 hours |
| Standard Upgrade (with RCD protection) | $2,000-3,000 | 4-6 hours |
| Complex Upgrade (additional circuits) | $3,000-5,000 | 6-8 hours |
| Commercial Switchboard Upgrade | $5,000-15,000+ | 1-3 days |
| Emergency Upgrade (after hours) | $2,500-4,500 | 4-8 hours |
What's Included in Switchboard Upgrade Cost?
Labour Costs
- Electrician time: $80-120/hour × 4-8 hours = $640-960
- Assistant/apprentice: May add $200-400 for complex jobs
- Total labour: $800-1,500 typically
Materials Costs
- New switchboard unit: $300-800
- Circuit breakers: $30-80 each × 8-12 breakers = $240-960
- RCD units: $150-300 for 2-3 units
- Surge protection: $200-400 (optional but recommended)
- Cables and connections: $100-300
- Total materials: $1,000-2,500
Additional Costs
- Certificate of Compliance: Included (legally required)
- Permit fees: Usually included
- Power disconnection: Free or $50-100 (via network company)
- Asbestos testing: $200-400 if pre-1990s switchboard
- Wall repairs: $100-300 if board position changes
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade
🚨 Immediate Upgrade Required If:
- ✓ Burning smell from switchboard
- ✓ Visible scorch marks or discoloration
- ✓ Buzzing or crackling sounds
- ✓ Hot to touch
- ✓ Sparks when switching breakers
If you notice any of these signs, turn off power and call an emergency electrician immediately.
Common Reasons for Switchboard Upgrades:
1. Age (25+ Years Old)
Switchboards older than 25 years don't meet current safety standards. They lack modern safety features like RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, which can prevent electrocution.
2. Ceramic Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers
Old ceramic fuse systems are dangerous and illegal for new installations. Circuit breakers are safer, more reliable, and easier to reset after a fault.
3. Adding High-Power Appliances
Installing any of these requires switchboard assessment:
- EV charger (requires dedicated 32A circuit)
- Solar panel system with battery storage
- Heat pump or air conditioning
- Electric hot water cylinder
- Pool or spa equipment
4. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuits trip regularly, your switchboard may be undersized for your household's electrical load. Modern homes use 3-4× more power than homes from 30 years ago.
5. Renovation or Extension
Adding rooms, a kitchen, or bathroom requires additional circuits. Your existing switchboard may not have capacity for new circuits without an upgrade.
6. Home Sale Pre-Purchase Inspection
Building inspectors often flag outdated switchboards. Upgrading before sale can avoid buyer negotiations and add value to your property.
Types of Switchboard Upgrades
Basic Upgrade: Fuses to Circuit Breakers
Cost: $1,500-2,000
What's Done:
- Replace ceramic fuses with modern circuit breakers
- Install new switchboard enclosure
- Re-terminate existing circuits
- Basic safety compliance
Standard Upgrade: Full RCD Protection
Cost: $2,000-3,000
What's Done:
- Everything in basic upgrade, plus:
- RCD protection on all circuits (legally required for new work)
- Surge protection device
- Label all circuits clearly
- Test all safety features
Complex Upgrade: Capacity Increase
Cost: $3,000-5,000
What's Done:
- Everything in standard upgrade, plus:
- Increase main capacity (63A → 80A or 100A)
- Add additional circuits (EV charger, heat pump)
- Upgrade incoming supply cable if needed
- May require network company approval
Regional Cost Variations
Average Switchboard Upgrade Costs by City:
- Auckland: $2,200-3,500 (10-20% higher)
- Wellington: $2,000-3,200
- Christchurch: $1,800-3,000
- Hamilton: $1,700-2,800
- Tauranga: $1,800-2,900
- Regional areas: $1,500-2,500 (may have travel charges)
Timeline: What to Expect
Pre-Work (1-2 Weeks Before)
- Day -14: Get 3 quotes from EWRB registered electricians
- Day -7: Choose electrician, schedule work
- Day -3: Electrician arranges power disconnection with network company
- Day -1: Prepare home (clear switchboard area, backup important electronics)
Installation Day
- Hour 0: Electrician arrives, confirms work scope
- Hour 1: Network company disconnects power (or electrician if authorized)
- Hours 2-5: Remove old switchboard, install new unit, connect circuits
- Hour 6: Power restored, testing begins
- Hour 7: Final testing, labeling, paperwork
- Hour 8: Cleanup, Certificate of Compliance issued
Post-Work
- Same day: Reset clocks, reprogram appliances
- Week 1: Certificate lodged with council
- Month 1: Monitor for any issues (rare with quality work)
How to Save Money on Switchboard Upgrades
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Prices can vary by 30-50% between electricians. Get at least 3 written quotes that include all costs. Use our free quote comparison service to find competitive rates.
2. Plan Ahead
Emergency upgrades cost 50-100% more. Plan your upgrade during business hours, not after discovering a problem at 10pm on Saturday night.
3. Bundle With Other Electrical Work
If you're planning other electrical work (rewiring, new circuits), do it during the switchboard upgrade. You'll save on callout fees and power disconnection costs.
4. Choose Standard Products
Premium switchboard brands cost 20-30% more than standard brands. For most homes, standard brands (Schneider, ABB, Hager) offer excellent quality at better prices.
5. Don't Skip RCD Protection
While basic upgrades are cheaper, RCD protection is legally required for any new electrical work and could save your life. The extra $500-800 is worth it.
Questions to Ask Electricians
- Are you EWRB registered? (Verify at ewrb.govt.nz)
- What size switchboard do I need for my home?
- Will you include RCD protection on all circuits?
- What brand of switchboard and breakers will you use?
- Is surge protection included or extra?
- How long will power be off?
- Who arranges the power disconnection?
- Is the Certificate of Compliance included?
- What's your warranty on workmanship?
- Are there any potential additional costs?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in NZ?
A switchboard upgrade in New Zealand costs $1,500-3,000 for a standard residential upgrade. Basic upgrades (replacing old fuses with circuit breakers) cost $1,500-2,000. Full upgrades with RCD protection cost $2,000-3,000. Complex upgrades or larger homes can cost $3,000-5,000.
Do I need to upgrade my switchboard?
You should upgrade your switchboard if it's over 25 years old, has ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers, frequently trips, lacks RCD protection, or you're adding high-power appliances like EV chargers or heat pumps. An EWRB registered electrician can assess your specific situation.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
A standard switchboard upgrade takes 4-8 hours. Simple replacements may be completed in 3-4 hours, while complex upgrades requiring additional circuits or cable replacement can take a full day or more. Your electrician will need to disconnect power for 2-4 hours during installation.
Get Free Switchboard Upgrade Quotes
Ready to upgrade your switchboard? Connect with up to 3 EWRB registered electricians in your area. Compare quotes, check qualifications, and choose the best electrician for your upgrade.