How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Switchboard? [2025]

Ready to Replace Your Switchboard? Here’s What Australians are Paying in 2025

In 2025, replacing a standard switchboard in Australia typically costs between $900 and $2,000, depending on panel size, material, labour, and whether rewiring or permits are required.

Switchboards are frequently utilised in settings with high demand or houses with sophisticated electrical systems. Replacing a switchboard, sometimes referred to as a circuit breaker panel, is a big but frequently essential home renovation project often handled by a licensed electrician or an experienced handyman with the right qualifications.

Purchasing a high-quality replacement switchboard can help you avoid any risks of damage and electrical shocks. They are essential for controlling electrical circuits. As well, changing your switchboard could be the best way to increase the electrical capacity of your home appliances.

If we talk about the cost of replacing a switchboard, it usually covers both the cost of the replacement panel and the labor required to install it. Standard feature and capacity basic switchboards (such as 100-amp panels) typically range in price from $200 to $500.

Continue reading to know more about the price and cost factors, with the estimated prices. This will help you to make a budget before hiring a switchboard repair expert.

Major Price Facts To Consider To Replacing A Switchboard

There are a few important factors to consider when estimating the cost of replacing a switchboard:

• Replacing Single Switchboard: The switchboard replacement cost can vary. Usually, it will depend upon the number of variables, such as board size, capacity, and features of switchboards.


• Simple Switchboards: Standard feature and capacity basic switchboards (such as 100-amp panels) typically range in price from $200 to $500. Smaller dwellings or those with low electricity needs should use these.


• Equilibrium Switchboards: The price range for equilibrium switchboards with extra features such as more circuit spaces and larger capacities (such as 150- to 200-amp panels) is usually between $500 & $1,000.


• Expensive Switchboards: It is not insignificant to spend $1,000 to $2,000 or more on a high-end switchboard equipped with the newest technologies. This may include such as smart technology, integrated surge protection, or enhanced safety features. They can also affect the prices.


• Extra Elements: Certain switchboards have extra features like enhanced diagnostics or surge protection. Although the base cost may go up, these features might protect your electrical system and add value.


• Size and Capacity of Panels: Costs are often greater for larger panels with more circuit slots or higher amperage capacities.

How Much Do Electricians Charge To Replace Switchboards?

Switchboard replacement expenses might vary based on several criteria. The average hourly rate for electricians is between $50 and $100. Experience, location, and the urgency of the work can all affect rates. Here's a thorough explanation:

City-Wise Cost Of Replacing Switchboards In A Home

• Melbourne: $800 - $1,500


• Sydney: $1,000 - $1,800


• Hobart: $700 - $1,200


• Canberra: $900 - $1,600


• Adelaide: $800 - $1,400


• Perth: $900 - $1,500


• Brisbane: $850 - $1,400

Upgrading Electrical Capacity Charge

• Basic Costs of Upgrades: Replacing the old panel with a new one that has a higher amperage rating is the standard procedure. It is useful for increasing the electrical capacity. Depending on the capacity of the new panel and the difficulty of the installation, the cost of this procedure varies from $100 to $500.


• Extra Expenses: If more work is required, the overall cost could go up. This may include updating the main service line, changing out the outdated wiring, or adding more circuits. This could raise the total cost by several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Circuit Changes Cost

During a switchboard renovation, it's frequently essential to replace outdated or damaged circuits. It ensures safety and adherence to current electrical codes. The overall average cost of a circuit change ranges from $200 to $400. Significant labour and material costs change with.

• Adding New Circuits: It could be necessary to build new circuits to accommodate more appliances or enhance electrical capacity. This will increase overall costs because it calls for additional wiring, circuit breakers, & potentially even modification of the current panel.


• Reconfiguring Existing Circuits: It can be difficult and more expensive to reconfigure existing circuits. To balance the load and enhance functionality, significant rework is required.

Extra Fixes or Upgrades Cost

• Wiring Improvements: To ensure compatibility with new switchboards & comply with current codes, it can be essential to replace or upgrade outdated wiring. This could increase the cost by several hundred dollars.


• Panel Relocation: The total cost of installation may increase if the switchboard needs to be moved, as this may result in additional labour and material costs.

How Much Do Different Switchboard Replacements Cost?

The type of switchboard you select when replacing or updating one can have a big impact on electrical safety. It also affects its usefulness and the overall cost of your house. Below is a summary of the various kinds of switchboards and their salient characteristics:

Basic Switchboards

Suitable for modest homes or basic electrical needs, these conventional panels include all the functionality you need. Usually, they have a restricted quantity of circuit breakers.

• Qualities: Frequently, their rating is 100 amps or less.


• Price: It usually falls between $200 and $500.

Main Breaker Panels

The primary breaker in these panels provides an extra layer of protection. Because it may be used to turn off the energy to the entire system. Often utilized in residential environments, they are designed to bear the full weight of the home.

• Qualities: It is beneficial for houses with modest electrical requirements and usually consists of a mix of branch circuit breakers.


• Price: Usually in the range of $500 to $1,000.

Subpanels

Subpanels are auxiliary panels that are linked to the main panel to allocate power to designated zones or circuits.

• Qualities: It permits more circuits to be added to a specific section of the house without piling up too many on the main panel.


• Price: It often falls between $200 and $800, based on the features and size.

Smart Panels:

Contemporary panels feature smart technology that enables online interfaces or smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control.

• Qualities: It includes functions including remote control, real-time monitoring, and electrical issue notifications. It offers improved electrical system management and diagnostics.


• Price: It might cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000 or more, depending on the features and brand.

What Can Significantly Increase the Cost of Hiring Electricians?

Replacing a switchboard could be an important investment in the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system. If you want to get the best service value according to your nearby area, you must contact an expert electrician. Here is what can increase your service prices:

• Work's Complexity: The installation's intricacy can have a big effect on labour expenses. Simple modifications to an existing switchboard needing replacement could put the cost in the lower range. However, rewiring, shifting the panel, or replacing a switchboard may cost more because they involve more time and labour.


• Emergencies or After Hours Need: Electricians may charge more if you need to replace your switchboard in an emergency or outside of regular business hours. The cost of labour can increase significantly when emergency service fees are considered, as they can double the standard hourly rate.


• Knowledge and Skill: Rates may be higher for seasoned electricians or those with specific knowledge of intricate installations. Their experience could be so helpful in difficult tasks, resulting in more efficient work.