{"id":1286,"date":"2023-03-15T13:13:21","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T01:13:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/?page_id=1286"},"modified":"2025-06-26T18:05:19","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T05:05:19","slug":"switchboard-upgrades","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/electrical-services\/switchboard-upgrades\/","title":{"rendered":"Switchboard Upgrades"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<h1>Switchboard Upgrades &#8211; Napier<\/h1>\r\n<p>Everything You Need to Know About Switchboard Upgrades in Napier<\/p>\r\n<h2>Do you have a home or business that&#8217;s over 20 years old?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Do you have a home or business that&#8217;s over 20 years old? If you do it&#8217;s highly likely that it could have an outdated switchboard. In many respects your switchboard is like the beating heart of your home so it&#8217;s critical it&#8217;s kept up to date and safe. Read on to learn more about switchboard upgrades, including what they are, their importance and signs it&#8217;s time for an upgrade.<\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"electrical-switchboard\" data-src=\"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/electrical-switchboard.jpeg\" alt=\"electrical switchboard\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 800px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 800\/534;\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2>What is a Switchboard Upgrade?<\/h2>\r\n<p>As you will know a switchboard can come in all shapes, sizes &amp; complexity but put simply a switchboard is a mechanism that distributes electricity from one or more sources of supply from the power network to several smaller load circuits in your home or business. For example, when you switch on a light, the switchboard\u00a0sends electricity to that circuit to power the light.<\/p>\r\n<p>When your existing switchboard is updated to enable more electrical charge or capacity or to meet a larger electrical demand, this is known as a switchboard upgrade.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Why Would You Need a Switchboard Upgrade?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Because a switchboard plays such a crucial role in ensuring safe electrical flow, it is always critical that it&#8217;s operational. Damaged or old switchboards are dangerous as they present a greater fire risk and can cause your electricity to cut out regularly or possibly flicker. Some other reasons why it&#8217;s important to get a switchboard upgrade:<\/p>\r\n<p><b>1. Electrical Safety Regulations Have Been Updated<br \/><\/b>Electrical safety laws, wiring regulations\u00a0and work practices over time have evolved significantly, so it&#8217;s important to get a registered electrician to check your switchboard meets the current New Zealand legislation.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>2. The Switchboard Serves as a Hub for All of Your Electrical Systems<br \/><\/b>A switchboard is the central control point for your home and businesses electrical system.\u00a0 It controls everything from the\u00a0television to the heat pump. This means your entire home or business will be affected if the switchboard is faulty or not coping with the strain (or load) it&#8217;s being put under.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>3. Houses Require More Electricity<br \/><\/b>A typical home &amp; business uses significantly more electrical appliances and gadgets than they did 15 years ago.\u00a0 Therefore it&#8217;s not surprising that the\u00a0 electrical system&#8217;s current needs are much higher than they might have been 10 &#8211; 20 years ago. Older fuse boxes struggle to be able to keep up with the increased demand, resulting in issues such as overheating and a significant risk of\u00a0electrical faults.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>4. There Are No Safety Switches<br \/><\/b>To safeguard you and your family from electrical faults, every home should have have safety switches installed on all circuits. These immediately turn off the power if an electrical fault is detected which prevents the risk of electrical shocks, fire or possible electrocution.\u00a0 Without them, you expose putting your loved ones and friends at risk of possibly fatal electrical accidents.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Potential Signs That Your Switchboard Needs an Upgrade<\/h2>\r\n<p>Repair services are available for any job big or small, in any residential property. Be it a new build, a rental property or simple improvements and repairs to your existing home, your trusted local PERL electricians are able to source, install, and maintain all your residential electrical needs. PERL Electrical makes it simple for you to install anything from new heated towel rail or bathroom heater, to set up sensor lights for added security or to change your old lighting over to LED bulbs for power savings.<\/p>\r\n<p>Below are some signs that indicate your switchboard is in need of an upgrade &#8211; If you&#8217;re uncertain or concerned, please call one of our PERL electricians and have them check it out.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>1. Overcrowded Wiring<br \/><\/b>\u00a0If the switchboard wiring appears to be congested, it most likely is. Review the problem with an electrician.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>2. Electric Shock<br \/><\/b>If an electric shock occurs when a plug is placed into a power socket, your switchboard is likely in need of replacement.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>3. Lighting<br \/><\/b>If your lights flicker, it&#8217;s either because the light bulb is loose or your switchboard&#8217;s wiring is broken.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>4. Excess Heat or Burning Smell<br \/><\/b>If your switchboard, electrical sockets, switches or appliances are hot to touch and\/or produce a burning smell.\u00a0 Call an emergency electrician immediately as there is a very real likely hood of a potential electrical fire.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>5. Power Cuts<br \/><\/b>If you frequently experience localised or entire home or business power cuts it is likely that your switchboard is struggling with load.<\/p>\r\n<p><a role=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Get a Quote\"> Get a Quote <\/a><\/p>\r\n<h2>Thermographic Scanning Detects Switchboard Issues Invisible to The Naked Eye<\/h2>\r\n<p>PERL electricians are qualified to undertake thermographic scanning of switchboards and electrical equipment, which detect issues often invisible to the naked eye and allow corrective action to be taken before costly system failures occur.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"thermographic-scanner-switchboard\" data-src=\"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/thermographic-scanner-switchboard.jpeg\" alt=\"thermographic scanning of a switchboard\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 800px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 800\/534;\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>If you experience any of these signs or are unsure, please contact one of our local PERL Electrical Switchboard electricians for assistance. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><a role=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Contact us\"> Contact us <\/a><\/p>\r\n<h2>What&#8217;s the Cost to Upgrade Your Switchboard?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Switchboards in houses, businesses and tiny homes come in several different sizes.\u00a0 Most residential switchboards only supply power via single phase, whereas some larger houses can have 3 phase power.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Standalone garages, portacabins and sleep-outs usually have their own sub-board (a small switchboard that is connected to the main house switchboard).\u00a0 Very old switchboards can have the electrical meter on the same surface-mounted board, whereas newer houses almost always have the meter box on the outside of the house and the switchboard on the inside.\u00a0 Additional factors in determining the cost of an upgraded or new switchboard include the number of electrical circuits in the house and whether the earthing system also requires upgrading.<\/p>\r\n<p>As a basic guide for switchboard upgrades you should allow from $1500 to $2000 incl GST to replace a standalone switchboard in a basic 2-3-bedroom house.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>As an estimate PERL Electrical offers 12 circuits or less for $1599 plus GST and $200 plus GST for up to 3 additional circuits. \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>If you need a free quote for a switchboard upgrade, then <a href=\"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/contact-us\/\">contact the team at your local PERL Electrical<\/a>. They will arrange for your local registered PERL electrician to visit your home or business to check the existing switchboard.\u00a0 They will then provide you with an expert report on the condition of the existing switchboard, as well as a quote for upgrading to a modern and safe standard, if that&#8217;s required.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<h2>Switchboards<\/h2>\r\n<p>PERL Electrical Napier are your premier destination for the bespoke construction of Switchboards and Motor Control Centres (MCCs). Our expertise in the design, fabrication, and assembly of these critical components ensures a seamless integration into your business, guaranteeing optimal functionality and reliability. At PERL Electrical Napier, we distinguish ourselves by exclusively utilising top-notch products from industry-leading suppliers, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in every project.<\/p>\r\n<p>Eliminate the guesswork from switchboard construction, we prioritise efficiency and safety to transform your business&#8217;s power hub into a smart and reliable centrepiece for your electrical system. Our skilled team conducts meticulous assessments, considering your energy needs and incorporating the latest technological advancements. With a diverse range of custom switchboard options tailored to meet your specific requirements, including the integration of smart features and scalability for future growth, we ensure that your switchboard is crafted with precision and adheres to the highest industry standards. Choose PERL Electrical Napier for the construction of custom switchboards and motor control centres, where our dedication to excellence ensures your electrical infrastructure is built to exceed expectations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\r\n<p>What services does PERL Electrical Napier offer for switchboard building, and why are they essential for businesses?<\/p>\r\n<p>PERL Electrical Napier provides comprehensive switchboard building services, including design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance. These services are essential for businesses as they ensure the efficient and safe distribution of electrical power, accommodating diverse needs within industrial, commercial, and residential settings.<\/p>\r\n<p>How does PERL Electrical Napier approach the design of custom switchboards?<\/p>\r\n<p>PERL Electrical Napier approaches the design of custom switchboards with a meticulous process, considering factors such as electrical load requirements, safety standards, and future scalability. Our team ensures that each custom switchboard is tailored to meet the unique electrical demands of the specific environment.<\/p>\r\n<p>What safety measures does PERL Electrical Napier implement in switchboard building?<\/p>\r\n<p>Safety is a top priority in switchboard building at PERL Electrical Napier. We adhere to rigorous safety standards, implement features like circuit protection, isolation switches, and conduct thorough testing to ensure that the switchboards meet industry safety requirements.<\/p>\r\n<p>Can PERL Electrical Napier assist with the installation of switchboards?<\/p>\r\n<p>Yes, PERL Electrical Napier provides professional installation services for switchboards. Our skilled team ensures that switchboards are installed correctly, aligned with safety standards, and integrated seamlessly into the electrical system of the facility.<\/p>\r\n<p>What is involved in switchboard maintenance, and why is it important?<\/p>\r\n<p>Switchboard maintenance involves routine inspections, testing, and cleaning to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues early. It is important for preventing electrical failures, minimising downtime, and extending the lifespan of the switchboard.<\/p>\r\n<p>How can businesses benefit from custom-built switchboards provided by PERL Electrical Napier?<\/p>\r\n<p>Custom-built switchboards from PERL Electrical Napier offer businesses the advantage of tailored solutions that precisely match their electrical needs. This ensures optimal efficiency, scalability, and compliance with industry standards, contributing to a reliable and future-proof electrical infrastructure.<\/p>\r\n<p>What role does scalability play in switchboard design, and when might it be necessary?<\/p>\r\n<p>Scalability in switchboard design allows for future expansion or modifications to accommodate changing electrical demands. It becomes necessary when businesses anticipate growth, technological advancements, or changes in their operational requirements.<\/p>\r\n<p>Can PERL Electrical Napier integrate smart features into custom switchboards?<\/p>\r\n<p>Absolutely. PERL Electrical Napier has the expertise to integrate smart features into custom switchboards, including remote monitoring, automation, and data logging. This enhances control, efficiency, and the ability to respond to real-time data for improved decision-making.<\/p>\r\n<p>How can individuals and businesses initiate switchboard building services with PERL Electrical Napier?<\/p>\r\n<p>Initiating switchboard building services with PERL Electrical Napier is straightforward. Contact us through our website or by phone to discuss your specific requirements for switchboard design and building. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring a tailored solution that meets your electrical distribution needs.<\/p>\r\n<p>What basic considerations should individuals and businesses have before engaging PERL Electrical Napier for switchboard building?<\/p>\r\n<p>Before engaging PERL Electrical Napier for switchboard building, consider factors such as electrical load requirements, future expansion plans, and the specific functions the switchboard will serve. Our team will collaborate with you to ensure the design and build align with your unique electrical infrastructure needs.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Switchboard Upgrades &#8211; Napier Everything You Need to Know About Switchboard Upgrades in Napier Do you have a home or business that&#8217;s over 20 years old? Do you have a home or business that&#8217;s over 20 years old? If you do it&#8217;s highly likely that it could have an outdated switchboard. In many respects your&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2288,"parent":10,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1286","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1286"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4132,"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1286\/revisions\/4132"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/perlelectrical.co.nz\/napier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}