Switchboards
Switchboard Faults & Upgrades in Christchurch
Fault finding, fuse box replacement and modern RCD/RCBO protection — booked same day where we can.
- Same-day inspections
- Fixed upfront pricing
- RCD/RCBO specialists
- Certified work
Warning signs
Signs of a faulty switchboard
Any of these means the board should be looked at now, not next year.
Burning or hot plastic smell
A hot smell at the board means loose or arcing connections. Switch off the main and call immediately.
Flickering or dimming lights
Lights that dip when appliances start often point to loose neutrals or an overloaded board.
Breakers or RCDs tripping
Frequent nuisance tripping usually means a shared circuit is overloaded or a cable is damaged.
Old ceramic fuses or rewirable board
Fuse wire boards have no residual current protection and can't handle modern household loads.
Old vs new
Fuse boards vs modern RCD/RCBO protection
Old fuse boards
- Rewirable fuse wire or ceramic cartridge fuses
- No residual current (shock) protection
- Circuits shared across the whole house
- No spare ways for heat pumps or EV chargers
- Often no labelling or documentation
Modern RCD / RCBO boards
- RCBOs trip on both overload and earth leakage
- Each circuit protected individually — a fault in one room doesn't kill the house
- Surge protection option for sensitive electronics
- Room to add heat pumps, EV chargers and solar later
- Clearly labelled and certified
Process
How an upgrade runs — and what it costs
1. Inspection
We test the existing board, RCDs and mains and photograph what we find.
2. Fixed quote
You get a written fixed price with options — like-for-like, or full RCBO board.
3. Install day
Power off for part of the day while the new board and circuits are installed.
4. Test & certify
Every circuit tested, labelled and a Certificate of Compliance issued.
Pricing guidance
As a guide for Christchurch homes: switchboard fault finding and repair typically starts from a single callout plus parts; a partial upgrade adding RCD protection sits in the low four figures; and a full RCBO board replacement on a standard three-bedroom home usually lands in the mid four figures. Homes needing new mains, a meter box relocation or asbestos handling cost more — we confirm everything in writing after the inspection, so the quoted price is the price you pay.
Book a switchboard inspectionFAQ
Switchboard questions
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
If you still have ceramic fuses, no RCD protection, no spare ways for new circuits, or the board trips regularly, an upgrade is the safest and usually the cheapest long-term option.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most Christchurch homes take four to seven hours, with power off for part of the day. Larger homes or boards needing new mains can take a full day.
Do I need a Certificate of Compliance?
Yes — switchboard work is prescribed electrical work. We supply a Certificate of Compliance and, where required, an Electrical Safety Certificate on completion.
Can you inspect before committing to an upgrade?
Absolutely. We book a switchboard inspection, test the existing circuits and RCDs, then give you a written fixed-price option list before anything is replaced.
Free quotes
Get a free quote or same-day booking
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