Assess first. Upgrade right.
Old ceramic fuses are a fire risk and can't effectively protect your home from electrical faults. If your home still has them, it's time for an upgrade. We carefully remove the old board and replace it with modern RCDs and MCBs to bring your home up to current New Zealand electrical safety standards.
What's the Risk with an Old Fuse Board?
An outdated fuse board isn't just an inconvenience - it's a genuine safety risk. Old rewirable fuses don't respond fast enough to overloads. Without RCD protection, an electric shock can be fatal. And modern appliances like heat pumps, EV chargers, and induction hobs draw more power than boards from the 1970s and 80s were ever designed for.
Most homeowners don't find out until something trips, overheats, or fails entirely.
You Probably Need a Switchboard Upgrade If...
- Your fuse board still has rewirable fuses or ceramic fuses
- Your circuit breakers keep tripping without a clear reason
- You're adding an EV charger, sauna, heat pump, or induction hob
- You're buying an older Christchurch home and the board hasn't been touched in decades
- Your home was built before 1990 and the switchboard is original
How Sam Does It
Proper assessment before quoting
Sam looks at your existing board, wiring condition, and what you're planning to run off it. The final scope depends on what he finds - and he tells you exactly what's needed and why.
Full replacement
Rewirable fuse boards replaced with modern MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and RCD (Residual Current Device) protection. Circuits reconfigured and clearly labelled.
Testing and certification
All work is tested and certified on completion. You receive documentation for insurance and future reference.
Why Choose Sam?
Sam uses quality components only - no budget gear, no shortcuts. He quotes the full scope upfront, before the board is opened. There are no extras that appear once work has started.
"Happy to take a look and give straightforward advice before you commit."
Our Recent Switchboard Work
"Samuel did a top job, his rates are quite reasonable. So if you need any electrical work done around the house I would highly recommend him."
Richard Oakman
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an upgrade to meet current standards?
Not always - but if your board has rewirable fuses or lacks RCD protection, an upgrade is strongly recommended for both safety and compliance.
Will the power be off during the upgrade?
Yes, temporarily. Sam discusses the timing clearly before work starts so you can plan around it.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most residential upgrades are completed in a single day.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
It depends on the existing wiring condition and the scope of work. Sam assesses first and quotes clearly - typical Christchurch residential upgrades range from around $800 to $2,500 depending on scope. Free assessment available.
Let's Get It Sorted.
Free no-obligation quotes for all electrical work. Sam responds promptly during business hours. Pricing is explained clearly before any work begins.
Or call direct
027 883 5960