# Do I need a switchboard upgrade? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Do I need a switchboard upgrade? **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/) - [Do I need a switchboard upgrade?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/) - [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? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade. 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 is a switchboard, and why does it age? 2. What signs suggest an upgrade may be needed? 3. Why can I not look inside myself? 4. Should I upgrade before adding solar, a battery or an EV charger? 5. What should I get after the work? 6. What does an upgrade involve? 7. What to do when you ask about your switchboard 8. Frequently asked questions You may need a switchboard upgrade if your board still uses old fuses, has no safety switches, shows burn marks, trips often, or is struggling with new loads such as solar, an EV charger or air conditioning. Only a licensed electrician can assess a board, so ask for an inspection rather than looking inside. ## What is a switchboard, and why does it age? The switchboard is the panel where power from the street is split into the circuits that feed your home. It holds the main switch, the circuit breakers or fuses that protect the wiring, and, in many homes, safety switches that protect people from shock. Homes built decades ago often have boards designed for far fewer appliances than a household uses today. Components can wear, and older boards were built before safety switches were common. ## What signs suggest an upgrade may be needed? Without opening anything, you may notice that: - the board still uses old-style fuses, such as ceramic fuses, instead of modern circuit breakers - there are no safety switches - there are burn marks, scorching or discolouration on or around the board - circuit breakers or safety switches trip often - lights flicker or dim, or the board makes buzzing sounds - you are adding a large load, such as solar, a battery, an EV charger or air conditioning None of these proves an upgrade is needed, and none can be confirmed by a homeowner. They are reasons to ask a licensed electrician to look. Burn marks, smoke, sparks or a burning smell at the board If you see smoke or sparks, or smell burning near the switchboard or meter box, leave the building with everyone in it, including children and pets, and call 000. If you see scorching, discolouration, or water near the board, stay away from it, keep children and pets away, do not open it, and call a licensed electrician urgently. ## Why can I not look inside myself? A switchboard contains live parts that can cause serious shock or fire. In Queensland, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, and the Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator. That includes work on switchboards and meter boxes. Do not open the board or the meter box, even to take a closer look. ## Should I upgrade before adding solar, a battery or an EV charger? New large loads put more demand on the board and the home’s wiring. Before installing any of them, ask your installer or a licensed electrician whether your board has space, protection and capacity for what you plan. Sometimes the board is fine, and sometimes it needs work first. ## What should I get after the work? Ask for the paperwork that confirms the work was tested and meets requirements, and keep it with your records. Buyers, insurers and property managers sometimes ask for it later. Our article on electrical certificates explains what to expect. ## What does an upgrade involve? An upgrade typically means a licensed electrician fitting a modern board with circuit breakers and safety switches, reconnecting the home’s circuits to it, and providing paperwork when the work is done. What it takes depends on the size of the board, how easy it is to reach and whether other work, such as solar or an EV charger, is planned at the same time. Our article on what affects switchboard upgrade cost goes into this in more detail. ## What to do when you ask about your switchboard 1. Photograph what you can see — Photograph the outside of the board and meter box, and any marks or damage. Do not open anything. 2. Write down what you have noticed — Note tripping, flickering, buzzing or smells, and when they happen. 3. Tell the electrician your plans — Mention any solar, battery, EV charger or air conditioner you plan to add. 4. Check the licence — Ask for the electrician’s licence number and check it on the Electrical Safety Office licence search. ## Frequently asked questions - A licensed electrician can tell you quickly during an inspection. Our article on circuit breakers and safety switches explains the difference. - Not always, but older boards may lack safety switches or have worn parts. Only a licensed electrician can assess one. - No. A switchboard contains live parts and should only be opened by a licensed electrician. - Sometimes. It depends on the board's space, protection and capacity, so ask an installer or licensed electrician to assess it before work starts. [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/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.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 - [Costs and financeWhat affects switchboard upgrade cost?Switchboard upgrade cost depends on board size, access, the site and what else you are adding, so get a written quote after an inspection.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) - [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/) - [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/) - [ElectricalDoes my house need rewiring? Signs and what to doAge alone does not decide it; a licensed electrician's inspection does, and warning signs include frequent tripping, flickering and burning smells.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/does-my-house-need-rewiring/) ## 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 is a switchboard, and why does it age? 2. What signs suggest an upgrade may be needed? 3. Why can I not look inside myself? 4. Should I upgrade before adding solar, a battery or an EV charger? 5. What should I get after the work? 6. What does an upgrade involve? 7. What to do when you ask about your switchboard 8. 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. 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