5.0★★★★★62 Google reviews
Since 2014Family-run in Kew
LicensedA-grade electricians
CertifiedElectrical safety certificates
Safer, modern switchboards with room to grow, ready for EV chargers, induction cooking, heat pumps, solar and batteries. Upgraded and wired by licensed electricians who explain everything in plain English.
Is Your Switchboard Keeping Up?
Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrics. Many Melbourne homes still have switchboards installed decades ago, long before EV chargers, induction cooktops, ducted heating and home offices full of devices.
An older board can mean tripping power, flickering lights, old ceramic fuses and missing safety switches. And if you’re planning to electrify your home, it may simply not have the space or capacity for what you want to add.
The Electric Crew is a family-run team of licensed electricians based in Kew. We upgrade switchboards and fix wiring across Melbourne’s inner east and north, and we’ll tell you honestly whether you need a full upgrade or just a few changes.
Signs Your Switchboard Needs Attention
Old ceramic fuses
Rewireable fuses with fuse wire are outdated and offer far less protection than modern circuit breakers.
No safety switches
Safety switches (RCDs) cut the power in a fraction of a second if something goes wrong, protecting your family from electric shock.
Power keeps tripping
Circuits tripping when the kettle, heater or dryer is on can mean overloaded circuits or a fault that needs finding.
Flickering or dimming lights
Lights that flicker or dim when appliances start can point to loose connections or wiring under strain.
Burning smell or hot board
A burning smell, scorch marks or a warm switchboard needs a licensed electrician straight away.
No room to add circuits
A full board with no spare space means it can’t take an EV charger, new oven or other upgrades without changes.
Ready for an All-Electric Home
More Melbourne homes are moving away from gas and adding new electrical appliances. Before you do, it’s worth checking your switchboard can handle the extra load. We upgrade switchboards ready for:
- EV chargers, including Sigenergy chargers
- Induction cooktops and electric ovens
- Heat pump hot water and reverse-cycle air conditioning
- Solar panels and home batteries
- Outdoor heaters, spas and workshops
We plan it all together, so your board is sized for what you have now and what you’re likely to add later, rather than being upgraded twice.
★★★★★
We were very happy with The Electric Crew’s service and speedy response when we lost power in parts of our house. Tom came at very short notice, assessed the problem and Rodney arrived to replace burnt wires and connections in the power box.
— Grainne J, Google review
What a Switchboard Upgrade Includes
Every switchboard is different, but a typical upgrade includes:
- Replacing old fuses with modern circuit breakers
- Safety switches (RCDs) to protect your circuits, as required by current wiring rules
- Surge protection, if you’d like it
- Clear labelling of every circuit, so you know what’s what
- Spare space for future additions like an EV charger or battery
- Testing of the whole installation, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety when the work is done
We can also add energy monitoring, so you can see where your power is going, right from your phone.
Bought an older home, or renting one out?
Older homes can have wiring that has deteriorated or been added to over the years. If you’ve just bought a period home, or you’re about to renovate, it’s worth having the switchboard and wiring checked first. For rental providers, we can also carry out the electrical safety checks required for Victorian rental properties.
General Wiring and Electrical Work
Power points
New, extra or relocated power points, including USB and outdoor weatherproof outlets.
Ovens and cooktops
Wiring and installation of ovens, cooktops and rangehoods, including induction upgrades.
Lighting
LED downlights, pendants and outdoor lighting, installed and wired properly.
Fault finding and repairs
Tripping circuits, dead power points and burnt connections tracked down and fixed.
Renovations and extensions
New circuits, rewiring and planning for kitchens, bathrooms and extensions.
Smoke alarms and fans
Smoke alarms and ceiling fans installed and replaced.
How It Works
Free consultation
Tom looks at your switchboard and wiring, and talks about what you’d like to add now and later.
Honest advice and quote
A clear explanation of what’s needed (and what isn’t), and a quote before anything starts.
The upgrade
We’ll let you know how long the power will be off, and keep it as short as possible.
Tested and certified
Everything tested, circuits labelled, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety provided.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a free consultation. Tom will come out, look at your home and talk you through your options.
Switchboard FAQs
How do I know if I need a switchboard upgrade?
Common signs are old ceramic fuses, no safety switches, power that keeps tripping, flickering lights, or no space to add new circuits. If you’re adding an EV charger, induction cooktop, heat pump, solar or a battery, it’s worth having your board checked first.
What’s the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?
Old ceramic fuses use a piece of wire that melts when a circuit is overloaded and has to be replaced by hand. Circuit breakers switch off automatically and can simply be reset, and they’re far more reliable at protecting your wiring.
What is a safety switch?
A safety switch (RCD) monitors the electricity flowing through a circuit and cuts the power almost instantly if it detects a leak, such as current flowing through a person. It’s one of the most important safety devices in your home.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always, but often. A home EV charger draws a lot of power for hours at a time, so your board needs space for a dedicated circuit and enough capacity to handle it. We check this as part of every EV charger installation.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most standard home switchboard upgrades are done in a day, with the power off for part of it. We’ll let you know in advance how long you’ll be without power.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. In Victoria, switchboard upgrades and other major electrical work require a Certificate of Electrical Safety, which we provide when the job is finished.
Switchboard Upgrades Near You
We upgrade switchboards across Melbourne’s inner east and north. Not sure if we cover your street? Just ask.
Book your free consultation
Tell us a bit about your home and what you’d like to improve. Tom will be in touch to arrange a time to come out.
- Send your details or give Tom a call
- Tom visits and walks through your home with you
- You get honest advice and a clear quote
Prefer to talk? 📞 0404 828 977
★★★★★ 5.0 from 62 Google reviews · Licensed electricians · Family-run since 2014