The honest answer: it depends on what is already there
We looked back over our own recent invoices that included switchboard work. Two patterns stood out.
- Partial upgrades, such as replacing the protection devices on an existing board with modern RCBOs, mostly landed between $500 and $2,000.
- Full upgrades, with a new board, new protection on every circuit and supporting work such as earthing or sub-mains, mostly landed between $2,000 and $10,000.
Those ranges are wide because some of those invoices also included other work done in the same visit. Use them as a guide, not a quote. We always quote switchboard work in writing after seeing the board.
The eight things that move the price
- Number of circuits. Each circuit needs its own protection. More circuits, more devices.
- Type of protection. RCBOs (a combined breaker and safety switch for each circuit) cost more than a few shared safety switches, but one fault no longer blacks out half the house.
- The old board itself. Older meter board panels may contain asbestos. If so, the work has to be done in a way that handles it safely, which adds time.
- Earthing. Older homes often need a new earth stake or earthing brought up to standard before a new board can be signed off.
- Consumer mains and sub-mains. If the cables feeding the board, or a sub-board in a shed or granny flat, are undersized or old, they may need replacing too.
- Meter position. Moving the meter panel or board to a new location adds labour and may need Energex involvement.
- Single-phase or three-phase. Three-phase boards cost more to supply and fit.
- What you are adding. Room for air con, an EV charger, solar or surge protection is cheaper to plan in now than to add later.
How to compare quotes
- Does it include RCBOs on every circuit, or a few shared safety switches?
- Does it include testing and a certificate of testing and safety?
- Does it mention earthing, the meter panel and any asbestos handling?
- Is there space allowed for future circuits?
- Is surge protection included or offered as an option?
The cheapest quote is often the one that leaves these out and adds them later as variations.
From our job sheets
Recent switchboard jobs include full main switchboard and sub-main upgrades, three-phase board upgrades, a domestic board upgrade that needed a new compliant earth stake, RCBO and earthing upgrades on older boards around the Redcliffe Peninsula, and boards upgraded at the same time as a new air conditioner. We explain each line of the quote before you decide.
What it costs with us
Attendance and the first hour is $149 inc GST if you would like us to inspect the board and talk through options. Full upgrades are quoted in writing. See switchboard upgrades and our pricing.