Home Cost Australia

Switchboard Upgrade Cost

By Home Cost Australia Editorial TeamUpdated 20 September 2026Data checked: 20 September 2026

A cited 2026 guide puts a typical installed 12-pole switchboard replacement around A$900–A$1,200. Hardware alone is less (a 160A board around A$300–A$600), while higher-capacity units and jobs needing extra cabling or rewiring can move the project toward A$2,000–A$2,500. These are different scopes, kept separate below.

Cost by scope (sourced)

Switchboard figures mean very different things depending on scope. We keep them separate rather than blending them into one number:

Switchboard cost by scope (2026 national guide)
ScopeCited figureWhat it means
160A board — hardwareA$300–A$600Unit only, excludes installation
250A unit — hardwareup to A$2,000Higher-capacity unit, excludes installation
Installed 12-pole replacementA$900–A$1,200Board plus typical installation
With extra cabling/rewiringA$2,000–A$2,500Larger project scope
Source: hipages· 23 January 2026Hardware, installed replacement and rewiring are different scopes — do not add them together or average them.

Typical installed 12-pole replacement

A$900–A$1,200

Range

A typical installed 12-pole switchboard replacement is cited in this range per a 2026 guide.

Includes
Switchboard and typical installation
Excludes / unclear
Significant additional cabling/rewiring
Source: hipages· 23 January 2026Data checked: 20 September 2026How we use sources

Switchboard with additional cabling/rewiring

A$2,000–A$2,500

Range

Additional cabling/rewiring can move the project toward this range per a 2026 guide.

Includes
Switchboard, installation and additional cabling/rewiring
Excludes / unclear
Major rewires beyond scope
Source: hipages· 23 January 2026Data checked: 20 September 2026How we use sources

What drives the cost

  • Whether the board is replaced or just modified.
  • Number of circuits and safety switches added.
  • Condition and age of existing wiring.
  • Whether capacity (supply) needs increasing.
  • Access and whether temporary disconnection is required.

Labour reference

For hourly labour context, our electrician cost guide lists sourced rates:

Electrician hourly rate

A$80–A$100/hour

Range

Typical electrician hourly rate range from a national cost guide.

Includes
Labour
Excludes / unclear
Parts/materials; Service/call-out fee (separate)
Source: hipages· 2026Data checked: 20 September 2026How we use sources

Licensed work only

Switchboard work is licensed electrical work. Always use a licensed electrician and confirm the compliance certificate.

Sources

  1. How much does it cost to replace a switchboard? [2026]
    hipages · 23 January 2026 · Last checked 20 September 2026