Why it's Important to Upgrade an old Switchboard.

Why It’s Important to Upgrade Your Switchboard

Keep Your Home Safe, Efficient, and Future-Ready

Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It’s what distributes electricity to all your circuits and protects your home from electrical faults. But many homes in New Zealand—especially older ones—still have outdated switchboards that can pose serious safety risks and struggle to keep up with today’s electrical demands.

Here’s why upgrading your switchboard is one of the smartest electrical decisions you can make:

1. Improved Electrical Safety

Old switchboards often lack modern safety features like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) or circuit breakers. These devices are designed to detect faults and disconnect power instantly, protecting you and your family from electric shocks, fires, and other hazards. A modern switchboard upgrade ensures your system is up to current safety standards and reduces the risk of electrical accidents.

2. Handle Today’s Power Demands

Think about how many appliances you use now compared to 20 or 30 years ago—heat pumps, induction cooktops, EV chargers, home offices, and more. Older switchboards were never designed for this kind of load. Upgrading gives your home the capacity to safely handle modern electrical usage without overloading circuits or causing nuisance tripping.

3. Support for Renovations or Extensions

Planning to renovate your kitchen, add a spa pool, or install solar panels? Your current switchboard may not be equipped to handle the extra load. Upgrading ensures your electrical system is ready for new additions and won’t bottleneck your plans.

4. Insurance Compliance

Some insurance companies may refuse claims or coverage if a fire or fault is traced back to an outdated or unsafe switchboard. Upgrading your switchboard helps you stay compliant with insurer requirements and gives you peace of mind.

5. Added Property Value

A modern, upgraded switchboard is a selling point for potential buyers. It shows that your home is safe, future-proofed, and well-maintained. In many cases, it can even speed up the sale process by avoiding red flags during building inspections.

Signs You Might Need a Switchboard Upgrade

• Your switchboard has ceramic fuses or no RCD protection

• You experience frequent tripping or flickering lights

• You’re adding major appliances or extending your home

• Your home was built before the 1990s and hasn’t been upgraded

Book a Switchboard Assessment

At Infinite Power and Lighting, we specialise in safe, reliable switchboard upgrades tailored to your needs. We’ll assess your current setup, explain your options, and ensure your home is protected and ready for the future.

Get in touch today for a free quote or expert advice.