Switchboard Upgrades – Christchurch & Selwyn Homes
🔌 Outdated switchboard? It might be time for a safer, smarter upgrade.
At Wakefield Electrical, we specialise in replacing old, unsafe, or overloaded switchboards with modern systems that protect your home, family, and appliances.
We’re trusted by homeowners and landlords across Christchurch and the wider Selwyn District for fast, compliant, and high-quality switchboard upgrades.
⚠️ Why Upgrade Your Switchboard?
If your switchboard is more than 20–25 years old, or still contains ceramic fuses, it’s likely due for an upgrade. Common signs include:
- No RCD (Residual Current Device) protection on power or lighting circuits
- Overheating fuses or tripping breakers
- Buzzing noises or burnt smells
- Additions like EV chargers or heat pumps are planned
- Presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM)
Modern switchboards reduce fire risk, protect from electric shocks, and comply with current NZ safety regulations.
🧰 What’s Included in Our Upgrade Package?
Every Wakefield Electrical switchboard upgrade includes:
- New switchboard enclosure
- Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)
- Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
- Main switch
- Full re-connection to the main earth
- Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC)
- Safe removal of any asbestos board (ACM) (if required)
- Final inspection and sign-off by an independent electrical inspector (if required)
✅ We use only quality components and comply with NZ Electrical Standards AS/NZS 3000.
🛑 Is Asbestos Present in Your Current Board?
Many older switchboards (especially from the 1960s–1980s) contain asbestos-backed panels. These should not be drilled or disturbed without proper safety procedures in place.
Our team follows strict asbestos management protocols. Safety is non-negotiable.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
Prices typically range from $2000 to $3,000+ depending on the size, accessibility, and whether asbestos or inspection is involved. We’ll confirm with a detailed quote after assessing your site.
Do I need to turn off the power?
Yes, power will be off for most of the day during the upgrade. We’ll coordinate timing with you to minimise disruption.
Do I need an electrical inspector?
If your meter needs disconnecting/reconnecting or the mains cable or main earth are replaced then an inspection is required. We’ll organise everything and handle the paperwork.
Can I add EV charging later?
Absolutely — we can future-proof your board with space and capacity for circuit protection for EV chargers, solar, or battery systems.
🏠 Who We Work With
- Homeowners and property managers upgrading older homes
- Renovation projects that require switchboard relocation
- Builders and developers who need reliable prewire and fit-off
- Compliance upgrades for rental properties
We service Christchurch City, Selwyn District including Darfield and Rolleston, and areas from Ashburton to Waimakariri.
💡 Why Choose Wakefield Electrical?
- ✔️ Registered Master Electricians
- ✔️ Asbestos-aware & health-and-safety compliant
- ✔️ Clear pricing, no surprises
- ✔️ Fast response times and great communication
- ✔️ Quality workmanship backed by a workmanship guarantee
We’re locally owned and committed to doing things right.
📝 Request a Free Quote
It’s easy to get started. Just fill in the quick form below or give us a call on 📞 03 371 7434. We’ll assess your current switchboard, confirm any compliance needs, and provide a fixed-price quote.
Not sure if your switchboard is due for an upgrade? Send us a photo and we’ll let you know.
✅ Customer Testimonials
Great communication from the office team and very friendly and efficient service when performing the job.
Will and Henri were both professional and on time. Clearly explained the work they were doing and ran through the set up with us. They left the house probably cleaner than before they started work. All in all great work.
The Wakefield team were great to deal with. Even a difficult Lockwood house was no problem, the electricians came up with a great tidy solution to an annoying problem as well as other maintenance. Would absolutely recommend.
Awesome team, prompt to turn up and do a fantastic job
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