Electrical / Switchboards
Price a switchboard (electrical panel) upgrade
Enter the board, circuit materials and labour. Add other work if needed.
Describe the job instead
Your estimate / USD
Switchboard like-for-like replacement
Enter board cost.
How it works
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Use your own rates, times and measurements.
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What it covers: Estimate the board, circuit protection, labour and optional site work.
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How to price a switchboard (electrical panel) upgrade
A switchboard upgrade covers the new board, protection for each circuit, labour and often extra site work. The scope depends on what you find on site, so the quote should list each part clearly. This work must be done by appropriately licensed people where the law requires it.
- Choose the job type, for example a like-for-like replacement, and enter your cost to supply the new switchboard and enclosure.
- Count the circuits receiving new protection and enter your price for breakers or other protection per circuit.
- Estimate the total labour hours for the upgrade and enter your hourly labour rate.
- Add power isolation, earthing work, metering or network work and old board disposal if you will charge for them.
- Add any permit, inspection or certificate fees you pass on, plus an after-hours surcharge if needed.
- Set your materials markup and tax rate, choose whether prices show before or including tax, and check the totals.
Tips and common mistakes
- Inspect the site before you quote. The age of the wiring, the earthing and the space available all change the job.
- Metering or network work may involve your local network operator. Check the rules where you work and only include costs you expect to charge.
- Count circuits carefully. Missing one means missing its protection and labour in the quote.
- Tell the customer the final scope depends on a full site inspection, so they understand the price may change.
Questions
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
It depends on the board, the number of circuits, the labour time and any earthing, metering or permit work. A like-for-like replacement is usually simpler than a full upgrade. Build the price from your own costs and rates with the calculator.
What is the difference between a switchboard and an electrical panel?
They are different names for the same thing in different countries. Both hold the main switch, circuit breakers and other protection that control power to a building. You may also hear it called a fuse box, consumer unit or breaker box.
Do I need a permit to upgrade a switchboard?
In many places, switchboard work needs a permit, inspection or compliance certificate. The rules differ widely, so check the rules where you work. Add any fees you pass on to the quote.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
It depends on the number of circuits, the condition of the existing wiring and whether earthing or metering work is needed. A like-for-like swap is generally quicker than a full upgrade. Track your own job times so your estimates improve.
When does a switchboard need upgrading?
Common reasons include old fuses, a lack of modern safety protection, a board with no spare space, signs of heat damage, or adding large loads such as heat pumps, car chargers or solar. An appropriately licensed electrician should inspect the board and advise.
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