# What affects switchboard upgrade cost? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) 4. What affects switchboard upgrade cost? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What does a switchboard upgrade include? 2. Why does the price vary so much? 3. Why can’t I price it online? 4. How do I get a reliable quote? 5. Getting a switchboard quote 6. Is an upgrade worth planning around other work? 7. Frequently asked questions The cost of a switchboard upgrade depends on the size of the board, how easy it is to reach, what is already in the home, and what you want it to support, such as solar or an EV charger. An electrician needs to inspect the board before giving a reliable written quote. ## What does a switchboard upgrade include? A switchboard is the panel that distributes power to the circuits in your home. An upgrade usually involves a licensed electrician replacing the board with a modern one that has circuit breakers and safety switches, then testing the work and providing compliance paperwork. The scope varies from home to home, so the exact inclusions should be written into the quote. That is why a flat figure from a website is rarely accurate for your property. ## Why does the price vary so much? Several factors push the cost up or down. - **Board size.** More circuits mean more components and more labour. - **Access.** A board in a tight cupboard or a hard-to-reach spot takes longer to work on. - **Condition of the existing wiring.** An electrician may find issues once the work is assessed, and these can change the scope. - **Asbestos checks.** Some older switchboards can contain materials that need specialist handling. An electrician can advise whether your board needs to be assessed. - **Add-ons.** Adding capacity for solar, a battery, an air conditioner or an EV charger changes what the board must handle. - **Safety switches.** The number and type fitted affect the parts list. - **Paperwork.** Testing and compliance certificates are part of a proper job. Signs that should not wait If you see smoke, sparks or flames, or anyone has had a shock, leave the building and call 000. If a switchboard smells burnt, feels hot, buzzes, or looks scorched or damaged, do not touch or open it, keep children and pets away, and contact a licensed electrician. Never open a switchboard to look for the cause. ## Why can’t I price it online? Cost guides exist, but some are written for other cities. A Sydney figure, for example, does not tell you what a Brisbane home will cost. Treat any number you read online as a rough guide, and rely on a written quote for your own property. ## How do I get a reliable quote? A licensed electrician needs to see the board and the electrical setup of the home. Photographs help you describe it beforehand, but they take the place of a visit only for a rough conversation, not for a firm price. ## Getting a switchboard quote 1. Photograph the outside — Take photos of the board’s location and the closed cover. Do not open it. Note any labels or a make and model if visible. 2. List what you plan to add — Tell the electrician about any plans for solar, a battery, air conditioning or an EV charger. 3. Ask for an inspection — Ask a licensed electrician to inspect the board and the surrounding set-up. 4. Compare written quotes — Check that each quote covers parts, labour, testing, paperwork and any assessment of older materials. If you are wondering whether you need an upgrade at all, our article on switchboard upgrades explains the common reasons. Electrical work in Queensland must be done by a licensed electrician, so check the licence number on the Electrical Safety Office’s licence search before work starts. ## Is an upgrade worth planning around other work? Sometimes. If you already know you want solar, a battery, a new air conditioner or an EV charger, it can make sense to talk to a licensed electrician about all of them at once. They can tell you whether the board can cope with the combined load or whether an upgrade is needed first. Planning together can reduce return visits, though your own situation decides what is best. Ask the electrician to explain their reasoning in plain language. ## Frequently asked questions - Usually a modern board includes them, but the exact inclusions should be written in your quote. - A licensed electrician gives you compliance paperwork after electrical work. Ask which certificate applies and keep it. - You may get a rough idea, but a firm quote usually needs an inspection of the board and the home's setup. - It can, because the board and supply must suit the added load. An electrician assesses this. - No. Photograph the outside only, and leave opening the board to a licensed electrician. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) Related services: [Switchboard Work](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/switchboard-work/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energy Made Easy (Australian Government)](https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalDo I need a switchboard upgrade?Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/) - [Costs and financeHow much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?Electrician pricing in Brisbane depends on call-out, hourly or fixed quotes, timing and materials, so compare written quotes like for like.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [ElectricalInstalling a home EV charger: what to ask an electricianA home EV charger needs its own circuit, spare space on the board and enough supply capacity, all assessed by a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ev-charger-home-installation-electrical/) - [ElectricalWhat is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What does a switchboard upgrade include? 2. Why does the price vary so much? 3. Why can’t I price it online? 4. How do I get a reliable quote? 5. Getting a switchboard quote 6. Is an upgrade worth planning around other work? 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).