Why You Should Consider Upgrading Your Switchboard

It’s still very common for New Zealand houses to have an old type of switchboard installed. Switchboards with old wire fuses are now illegal in many countries around the world but unfortunately in New Zealand they are still allowed to be used.

old switchboard with wire fuses

If you still have an old switchboard installed in your home or rental property we strongly recommend you get it checked by a Registered Electrician or preferably get it replaced with a new one. The main reason is your safety. The old types of fuses are protecting your appliances only.  They do not protect your body and can cause a fatal electric shock. They are a hazard.

Based on the new New Zealand regulations you need to have MCB’s (Miniature Circuit Breaker) combined with RCDs (Residual Current Devices). The RCD’s prevent fatal electrical shocks by disconnecting the electric circuit as soon detects an imbalance between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. The norm is 10mA RCDs for hospitals and school and for residential property 30mA RCD’s. RCD switch to protect against electrical shocks

Replacing the switchboard is a quick and easy process, which can usually be done within 4 hours, costing around $1500 – $2000 (incl. GST) for a 2-3 bedroom house.

It’s all worth it for the peace of mind for you and your family, knowing that your home is safe.

Please contact us if you want us to pop around and give you an estimate for a switchboard upgrade.  All quotes are free with no obligation to buy from us.


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