Still running on ceramic fuses, or running out of room for new circuits? Dr Watt upgrades switchboards for homes and businesses across the Sunshine Coast, with individual circuit protection, clear labelling and room for future additions. If your safety switch keeps tripping, we investigate the cause before recommending what needs fixing.
QLD Electrical Contractor Licence 82601 · 30+ years' electrical experience · Based in Mooloolah Valley
Signs your switchboard needs attention
- Ceramic fuses: older porcelain fuse holders with replaceable fuse wire
- Limited safety switch protection: no safety switches, or one shared across several circuits
- Repeated tripping: fuses blowing or circuit breakers tripping during normal use
- Visible damage: scorch marks, a burning smell, buzzing or unusual heat
- Suspected asbestos backing: an older backing panel that needs professional assessment
- No room for additions: limited space for new circuits for a kitchen, shed, pool equipment or granny flat
- Dimming or flickering lights: especially when appliances start, which needs investigation to identify the cause
Burning smells, scorching, buzzing or unusual heat need urgent attention. Stay clear of the switchboard and call Dr Watt on 0410 699 352. Urgent attendance is subject to availability. For fire or immediate danger, call 000.
Are ceramic fuses illegal in Queensland?
Existing ceramic fuses aren't automatically illegal in Queensland, but they offer limited protection compared with a modern switchboard. They protect wiring against excessive current, and they don't provide the personal protection of a safety switch. Using the wrong fuse wire can also allow wiring to overheat. If your board still has ceramic fuses, Dr Watt can assess its condition and explain your upgrade options. Read more in our ceramic fuse guide.
What a switchboard upgrade includes
Every switchboard is different. A typical Dr Watt upgrade includes:
- Assessing the existing switchboard and wiring to identify the work required
- Replacing old fuses and circuit breakers with individual RCBOs (combined circuit breakers and safety switches), giving each final sub-circuit its own protection
- Installing a suitable enclosure, with room for future circuits where practical
- Checking the earthing arrangements and identifying any repairs needed
- Clearly labelling the circuits so you know what each switch controls
- Testing the completed installation and providing an electrical safety certificate
Testing can reveal existing wiring faults that old fuses didn't detect. If additional repairs are needed, we explain the problem and discuss the cost before proceeding. If the work involves metering or changes to your electricity supply, we explain any coordination required with your electricity retailer or Energex.
What affects the cost of a switchboard upgrade
The cost depends on more than the number of switches. We consider the number of circuits needing individual RCBO protection, the size and condition of the existing enclosure, whether an asbestos backing panel needs removal and replacement, whether the earthing, meter box or incoming supply needs attention, any existing wiring faults needing repair, and any extra circuits you want installed at the same time. Dr Watt provides a clear written quote outlining what's included. If testing reveals additional work, we explain what's needed and discuss the cost before proceeding.
Switchboard upgrades for businesses
Adding equipment, renovating a shop or fitting out a new tenancy? Dr Watt assesses your existing switchboard and power requirements, upgrades circuit protection and installs additional sub-boards where needed. We plan shutdowns with you to minimise disruption to your business and allow room for future additions where practical. See our commercial electrician services.
Why homeowners use Dr Watt for switchboard work
- One electrician, start to finish. Lior has more than 30 years' experience and does the work himself.
- Clear written quotes. Know what's included before work starts, with any additional repairs discussed before proceeding.
- Local. We're based in Mooloolah Valley and work right across the Sunshine Coast.
- Problem-solvers. Fault finding is one of our specialties, so if your board keeps tripping we find out why rather than just swapping parts.
- Fault finding experience. We investigate why a circuit trips rather than simply replacing parts.
Frequently asked questions
Can an upgrade uncover existing wiring faults?
Yes. New safety switches can detect existing faults that old fuses or circuit breakers didn't pick up, such as damaged wiring, faulty appliances or moisture in outdoor fittings. We test the circuits as part of the upgrade and investigate any faults identified. Read more about why your safety switch keeps tripping.
Do I need an upgrade before selling or renting?
Not necessarily. A full switchboard upgrade isn't automatically required, but safety switch requirements apply. In Queensland, sellers must declare whether safety switches protect the power point circuits. Buyers purchasing a property without this protection must have it installed within 90 days of transfer, and landlords must ensure all power point circuits have safety switch protection within 90 days of a tenancy starting. Dr Watt can assess your board and explain whether it needs additional safety switches or a more comprehensive upgrade. See our safety switch services.
Can I replace my old fuse board myself?
No. Replacing a fuse board or installing circuit breakers and safety switches must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Dr Watt can assess your existing board and explain the options for upgrading it.
Send a photo of your switchboard with your enquiry and we can give you a better idea of what's involved before we visit.