Switchboard Upgrades

Ensuring the switchboard at your home is up to current electrical safety standards is an important step towards keeping your house and family safe.

It is very common to come across old pre-1970’s switchboards with plug in ceramic fuses, and given the components are now over 50 years old, they have degenerated over this time and can prove to be quite a hazard. When you are replacing these fuse wires there are exposed live cables you are able to accidentally touch.

Your switchboard may have resettable plug in miniature circuit breakers, which were installed between 1960-1980, given how long these have been in service their reliability has reduced, and may fail to trip under fault conditions.

By upgrading your switchboard, you will have brand new miniature circuit breakers, and residual current devices, bringing your property up to date with the current electrical standards and offering you additional protection that your property does not currently have, against electrical faults.

What to expect

Assessment of Installation

We have a look at your switchboard and determine the appropriate replacement switchboard and inspect your main earth electrode to determine the best course of action to carry out your upgrade.

Installation

One of our New Zealand licensed electricians will attend your property on the morning of the agreed date and undertake your new switchboard upgrade. Ensuring it is completed to a high standard, efficiently, and professionally.

Testing and Certification

Our electrician will test the entirety of your new switchboard, ensuring everything is functioning correctly, and will provide an electrical certificate at the end of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a switchboard upgrade?

There can be a wide range of reasons why you may require a switchboard upgrade.

The main thing to look out for is fuses regularly blowing, any crackling sounds / strange smells coming from your switchboard. Additionally, if you have and old ceramic plug in fuse switchboard, it is likely the original switchboard from when your house was built. Upgrading your switchboard will bring your switchboard up to modern electrical standards, giving you peace of mind that your house is electrically safe. Not to mention it’s much more aesthetically pleasing!

How long does a switchboard upgrade take?

A switchboard upgrade will be completed in one day. During the day there will be no electricity to your property. We generally have power to your home disconnected around 8am, with power being reinstated between 2pm-5pm.

Is it easy to change my old existing downlights to LED?

Absolutely! There is an LED option to fit in almost any application. They will cover the existing hole leaving you with an energy efficient, cleaner looking finish.

Is a heat pump a cost-effective way to heat my home?

While the initial install cost of installing a high wall heat pump can seem expensive at first glance, an efficient heat pump is a great way to keep your home warm, cool, and dry, without breaking the bank to run! Making it a good investment to ensure you’re keeping you and your family as comfortable as possible.

See what our clients say

We work with some amazing clients. Check out our Google and No Cowboys reviews!

     Excellent  
     Based on 8 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Anne Trinidad 
 May 2, 2025
 
 
  We've hired Arena Electrical to help us replace the lights inside and outside our house.We want to commend Ben, our electrician, for his exellent work. He has been incredibly patient in responding to our questions and has conducted himself with great professionalism throughout. The Director, who is also called Ben, has also been patient during the inquiry process and has been responsive. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Rusty Donnell 
 April 21, 2025
 
 
  Totally professional, polite, well presented and prompt
  
 
       
   Oliver Austen 
 March 20, 2025
 
 
  We have worked with Ben and the team on over 50 projects across Auckland. Every project has been successful when working with Arena.

Highly recommend 10/10
  
 
       
   Joel Dunnet 
 March 19, 2025
 
 
  Arena electrical came out and installed a recessed LED strip in my back porch BBQ area and I am stoked with the result. They were very efficient and had great communication.  I’ll definitely be using them for future works!
  
 
       
   Barbara Draper 
 February 16, 2025
 
 
  Fantastic service and work by the team at Arena Electrical for the installation of our heat pump. Excellent work and attention to detail to achieve the best possible result aesthetically and functionally and the job was carried out to the highest standards. Great communication, friendly and professional service and I highly recommend Arena Electrical if you want an exceptional result.
  
 
       
   Julie Jones 
 February 13, 2025
 
 
  Can highly recommend Arena Electrical - excellent service with prompt and easy communication.
  
 
       
   ScrAppit Customer Serivce 
 March 19, 2019
 
 
  great service, thanks again for the spot lights.