Switchboard Upgrades

Is it Time to Upgrade your Old Switchboard?

If you think you need a new switchboard then keep reading to find out some useful information.

Switchboards are a very important part of the electrical installation in any building. If they are correctly installed and maintained, then they protect the electrical wiring (circuits)in your home or workplace. If they are not, they can be the cause of fires.

Switchboards have evolved as technology has developed. A new modern switchboard with mini circuit breakers (MCB’s) and residual current devices (RCD’s) looks very different to an old black switchboard with ceramic fuse holders.

Is my Switchboard Safe?

There are many technical elements to a switchboard.

If you are not sure if your switchboard is safe, then you need to get it checked by a Registered Electrician. They are professionals and will be able to inspect the switchboard and provide a qualified opinion. Some of the things they might do while inspecting your switchboard are:

Visually inspect the circuit protection (circuit breakers or fuses)
Load test a selection of the circuits
Check for RCD protection
Test the earthing
Take special photos of the switchboard with a thermal imaging camera
Check on the type of wiring that is going into the switchboard, and check on its condition.

How Much does a New Switchboard Cost?

…it depends!

Switchboards in houses come in several different sizes. Most residential switchboards only supply single phase power, but some larger houses may have 3 phase power. Standalone garages and sleep-outs usually have their own sub-board (a small switchboard that is connected to the main house switchboard). Really old switchboards may have the electrical metering on the same surface-mounted board, whereas newer houses tend to have the meter box on the outside of the house and the switchboard on the inside. Other factors in determining the cost of a new or upgraded switchboard is the number of electrical circuits in the house and whether the earthing system also needs upgrading.

For some basic guidelines on switchboard costs, allow about $2000 to $3000 (incl GST) to replace a standalone switchboard in a basic 2-3 bedroom house. If your electrical meter is also on the switchboard, then it may cost a bit more.

If you need a free estimate for a switchboard upgrade, then contact us! We’ll arrange a time for one of our electricians to pop round and check the existing switchboard. We will then provide you with a professional recommendation on the state of the existing switchboard as well as an estimate for upgrading it (if needed).

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New switchboard and meter - Christchurch

Request a Free Quote for a Switchboard Upgrade

What Our Clients Say

Tradesman arrived on time! He went the extra mile, and cleaned up after himself. Very curious and professional. Will definitely use again and highly recommend.

Christine CumminsHomeowner, Sheffield (February 2019)

Great prompt install of heat pump. Good communication beforehand to ensure we got a suitable heat pump for our conditions.

PeteArthur’s Pass (February 2019)

Wakefield went out of there way to get job done early for the sale of my house..work was great n house left clean

AdaChristchurch (January 2019)

Pete and his team managed our power line installation really well. They took all the hassle and stress out of dealing with power suppliers and made me feel like everything was being looked after.

HollyCashmere, Christchurch (January 2019)

We’ve been doing some home DIY and started using Pete and the Wakefield team 6 months ago. They turned up when they said they would, gave some solid recommendations on the right electrical products to use (and supplied them), and in general did all they could to fit into our time constraints. The work was completed to a high standard, and the invoice was well itemised and fair priced. We’ve used Pete’s team again since then, and will continue to do so as we work our way through the home.

Karl FountaineHillsborough, Christchurch (January 2019)

really helpful, great follow up. they understood the problem and fixed up a somewhat complex situation without fuss

Dougal BoydWest Melton (January 2019)

Did the job under the quote very happy

Oxford (December 2018)

A good friendly company Very easy to discuss details with Management and also with all the technicians on the job. I would strongly recomend Wakefield Electrical to anyone looking for a topline job done by excellent people

Tom BarnesSpreydon (December 2018)

Excellent work guys prompt friendly and very tidy

Dianne Hynes(December 2018)

I rely on Wakefield Electrical for all my electrical work. They consult well, do a high quality job and their staff are well trained, polite and helpful. I highly recommend them.

DianeCashmere (December 2018)

I was very happy with the speed of service and attention to detail taken when I called Wakefield Electrical for a recent job

MelHoon Hay (December 2018)

We contacted Wakefield Electrical to get power put on in our garage. Their quote was done quickly as was the work. A special mention to Jayden who was very polite and professional at all times whilst doing the work. He is a real credit to your team. We highly recommend the whole team as a great firm to deal with. Many thanks for a job well done.

Bernadette and Isobel RenwickAddington, Christchurch (December 2018)

I have used Wakefield Electrical a number of times for a variety of electrical jobs including installing heat pumps. I have found them to be highly proffesional and competent with their work. I have NO hesitation in recommending them for any electrical work required.

Ray GoldringCastle Hill Village (December 2018)

Good Service and good work provided consistently. Friendly and professional staff.

Homeowner, Christchurch (November 2018)

Great communication and prompt service. Fixed my hot water cylinder in one visit and took the time to explain the problem and the solution. Great value for money.

HeatherChristchurch (November 2018)

Quick and courteous great job thanks team

Pippa JerramWoolston, Christchurch (November 2018)

The requested work was carried out with excellent attention to requirements and minor changes were dealt with thoughtfully. All potentially messy aspects were kept clean and tidy- almost like they were not there. Patrick was happy to keep us in the loop at all times and explain elements when asked. We were very pleased with his work and his approach and made sure that he knew how pleased we were. Thankyou for an excellent job. It was a pleasure to have you on our property.

Springfield (November 2018)

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Wakefield Electrical to anyone wanting electrical work done. Each time we have used them they were prompt, friendly and very efficient, with a high standard of work at a fair price. Will definitely be using Wakefield Electrical for all our electrical requirements in the future.

R&J FrewDarfield (October 2018)

Very quick to respond to my request, very good with communicating the date and time they would be able to do the job and once the job was done I was rung and informed what the issue was. Really pleased with the work. Definitely will be using Wakefield Electrical again.

LeonieChristchurch (October 2018)

Wakefield Electrical came with in a short time of our call. They were great to deal with and we will be using them again thats for sure!!

J and D CrequerDarfield (October 2018)

Wakefield did a great job. They were friendly and efficient. Nice one!

A from Christchurch(October 2018)

Great response time, excellent job!

Greenroots JuiceryChristchurch (October 2018)

Always a prompt and reliable service

Plains Plumbing, Gas & DrainageDarfield (October 2018)

Quick, efficient service

Oxford (September 2018)

Good listening and communications, great work and follow up, professional attitude to service – no stress – no hesitation to recommend

Ned NortonFerrymead, Christchurch (September 2018)

Wakefield Electric were efficient, prompt and very professional. I would definitely use them again.

Opawa, Christchurch (September 2018)

had tristan install our heatpump, very good service and would definitely recommend

JonChristchurch (September 2018)

Thank you for the great service, Gavin was prompt and had the work done efficiently.

MervHomeowner, Darfield

“Wakefield Electrical provided a prompt efficient service very pleased with them and thoroughly recommend them”

John WinsloeRangiora

“Patrick installed a new telephone jet and replaced a downlight with a led light for me. He did an excellent job. I would recommend this company to anybody.”

L YanSt Albans

“Wakefield Electrical have always responded quickly to the electrical issues in the house, they have done the work efficiently and the costs have been fair. I especially like it that I can talk to a person when I call and the matter is felt with efficiently.”

F GunnDarfield

“I have just had my house (old villa) rewired by 2 of the Wakefield team. I was very impressed by how these fellas worked. They were there for two days & were quiet, polite and tidy. You would hardly know they were in the house. I couldn’t be more happy with the service and the other plus was the final cost was under the estimate. Thank you Wakefield Electrical.”

Earl TuttyHomeowner, Christchurch

“my wife and I are building a new house. A friend suggested Wàkefield electrical. I called Pete and had chat. That lead to a site meeting with Pete and his site foreman Patrick. Both were very personable and informative. From that day on their commitment to the our project has been excellent. On site Patrick and his crew have been tidy and efficient and more importantly reliable. The communication both onsite and from the office has been excellent and accurate. I have no reason not to recommend Wakefield electrical.”

Damon JonesSt Martins

“Prompt and effieceint service”

HomeownerSpringfield

“Your serviceman arrived on time and not only fixed the problem I called about, he also point out another issue I wasn’t off and . I also asked for a another minor problem. I also asked him to quote for another job and I received this very promptly.”

HomeownerSpreydon

“Wakefield Electrical gave a competitive quote and turned up promptly. We had a heat pump that needed re-gassing. Patrick (?) was really friendly and helpful and even checked over our other heat pump just to make sure all was ok. No hidden extras, just friendly, honest and reliable guys doing a good job for a fair price. I would highly recommend them.”

Murray GrossmithChristchurch

“I wish to compliment Gavin on the great job he did yesterday for me. He has a great attitude and worked hard to get the job completed which was most appreciated. The workmanship was also top notch. You have a good man there and for any future work I would be happy to recommend you to others etc.”

Andrew DSomerfield, Christchurch

“Wakefield Electrical have been a fantastic team to work with. They come when they say they will and do their work to a high standard. They work with the client’s requests to create the best outcome for them. I can always count on Wakefield Electrical to perform well and achieve the high standards that our building company requires.”

Benjamin CuttanceOwner, Building Environmental Needs

“We have engaged Wakefield Electrical for numerous projects on our own home. From house alterations, general maintenance and exterior lighting. On one occasion, we required a prompt response due to a power outage to a section of the property, due to Peter’s company structure Wakefield Electrical was able to attend to our needs in a most efficient manner. We have always found Peter and his staff to be punctual and respectful of our private spaces. I have been associated with the construction industry for 33 years, all of those years I have had a close association with industry sub trades and I can honestly say I write very few testimonials in favour of sub trades. In this instance though, I am pleased to be asked and pleased to recommend Wakefield Electrical.”

Justin BusbridgeChartered Building Professional, Halswell

“We have used Wakefield Electrical for a couple of years. They turn up on time and do a great job. Attention to detail is excellent, and they got stuck in and fixed up issues left behind from other sparkies. Highly recommend.”

Mel BourkeResident, West Melton

“Fitzgerald Motors, Hornby have used Wakefield Electrical for many years as their electrician. Peter and his team have always been reliable and professional with all the work they have carried out. We would recommend them to anyone needing any sort of electrical work, either for their business or home.”

Graham & CraigOwners, Fitzgerald Motors

“Your firm has been involved with a number of electrical related work at our Environmental Education Centre at Craigieburn. These activities have ranged from installing and/or replacing switches to decommissioning night-store heaters and installing a heat pump. The heat pump was installed recently, ready for the winter. We obtained a quote for the job and we were pleased with the good quote we received from you. I attended the work-site as the workmen proceeded to install the heat pump. With my engineering background, I was able to evaluate the installation process and I was suitably impressed with their professionalism and the speed and efficiency of the installation. As in the past, due to the efficient way in which previous electrical work has been undertaken by your staff, we will definitely be using your services again should the need arise.”

Trustee/Custodian, Canterbury Environmental Trust

The Wakefield team offer professional service. Pete makes time to listen to his clients. The entire team thinks about the various aspects of a project and they offer excellent suggestions as work progresses and during initial scoping for longer term projects.

The Wakefield Electrical team deals with unforeseen issues promptly and the team’s collective experience delivers excellent results.

I highly recommend Wakefield Electrical for your next project or electrical appliance repair!

Henri ShustakHomeowner, Central Christchurch

I’ve happily used Wakefield Electrical for the last 5 years on my new house architectural builds and I use Pete to do electrical work on my own home. I’ve found Wakefield Electrical easy to work with and the team have a good understanding of the various aspects of the electrical trade. I’m happy to recommend Pete and his team.

Phil MarshLicensed Building Practitioner, Plumb Level & Square, Springfield

We commissioned Wakefield Electrical to do a new build installation at a home in Castle Hill Village. They had done numerous jobs in this alpine village, chiefly through Peter Wakefield having a personal interest in the area.

Being new to building a new home, We required and got knowledgeable advice for building in this alpine region.

The house was finished without fault. Subsequently, we have used Wakefield Electrical to do a heat pump install at Castle Hill Village and some retro fit wiring in a recently purchased property in Christchurch.

We are confident and pleased with the workmanship and would recommend Wakefield Electrical.

Graeme and Louise BesleyHomeowners in Christchurch & Castle Hill

Thanks for a job well done. We will recommend you to friends.

Margaret & John ParkDarfield

The guys – Gavin and Matt – have been – charming, friendly, and efficient, jobs done, and all working perfectly! We’re most impressed!

Thanks again! May we call you if we have any further need of electrical work?

John JefferiesHomeowner, Hoon Hay, Christchurch

They are very professional and called to ask for my authorization for a new part that cost approximately $500 which I appreciate rather than getting bill shock.

SimonLinwood

Fast, effient and very friendly.

JoSpringfield

Great workmanship and very happy with the service. Thanks guys we will definitely use you again if needed!

Debbie KnightOxford

Tidy, professional work completed without fuss.

MarkLake Grasmere

The young man that came here did his work well and we were very pleased with the work he did.

Altina BreezeHororata

03 371 7434

Switchboard Upgrades

Is it Time to Upgrade your Old Switchboard?

Is my Switchboard Safe?

How Much does a New Switchboard Cost?

Request a Free Quote for a Switchboard Upgrade

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