The fuse box from 1958 is now running your whole house.
The switchboard decides what your home can safely run. Ceramic fuses and crowded boards were never designed for heat pumps, induction hobs and EV chargers. An upgrade is a one-day job with published guide pricing, and it unlocks every other electrical project on the list.
Is this your stream?
Ceramic fuses, circuits tripping when the heater and jug run together, no spare ways for a new circuit, or no RCD protection. Any of those means the board itself is the job.
A new board does not fix degraded cabling. On pre-war villas, an honest electrician will inspect the wiring before quoting, and a switchboard quote sometimes grows into a rewire conversation. That is diligence, not upselling.
What it costs in Wellington
The published guide band
Weka Electrical publishes a Wellington switchboard upgrade cost guide: a standard residential upgrade runs $1,500–$4,000 depending on circuits, wiring condition and whether new cabling is needed.
Why quotes move
Circuit count, board location, asbestos-era panels, and the state of the wiring behind the board all move the final number. A firm quote follows an inspection, not a phone call.
When it bundles with a rewire
Weka Electrical's rewiring guide notes a switchboard replacement typically adds $1,000–$3,000 inside a full rewire project. If both jobs are on your list, quote them together.
Wellington providers, compared
Six firms that do switchboard upgrades in Wellington, grouped by what they are best at. Hover a row for the detail that matters.
Common mistakes
Treating the switchboard as optional when adding big loads: a heat pump or EV charger on an old fuse board is how overloads start. Get the board assessed first; Weka Electrical's guide puts the upgrade at $1,500–$4,000, far cheaper than the alternative.
Ignoring ceramic fuses because the power still works: old ceramic fuse boards still common in Wellington villas do not meet current safety expectations and lack RCD protection. Working is not the same as safe.
Quoting without an inspection: circuit count, wiring condition and whether new cabling is needed all move the price. Any firm that gives a firm number sight-unseen is guessing, so expect the quote to move on site.
Skipping RCD protection to save money: modern boards protect against shock and electrical fire with RCDs. A like-for-like swap of old fuses without protection devices is a false economy.
Not asking for the Certificate of Compliance: switchboard work is prescribed electrical work. WorkSafe requires a CoC from the licensed worker who did it, and your insurer may ask for it later.
Assuming the electrician handles the lines company side: if your upgrade needs more capacity from the street, coordination with Wellington Electricity may be required. Ask early whether your job touches the mains connection.
FAQ
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in Wellington?
Weka Electrical's published guide puts a standard residential switchboard upgrade in Wellington at $1,500–$4,000, depending on the number of circuits, wiring condition and whether new cabling is needed. Older homes with ceramic fuses or non-compliant wiring sit at the upper end.
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
Ceramic fuses, frequent tripping, a board with no spare capacity, no RCD protection, or plans to add a heat pump, EV charger or major renovation. Any of these is reason enough to book an assessment.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade before an EV charger or heat pump?
Often, yes. Both add sustained electrical load, and an old fuse board may not have the capacity or protection for a dedicated new circuit. Get the board assessed before you buy the appliance, not after.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most residential upgrades are a one-day job, with the power off for part of the day. Complex boards, new circuit runs or mains coordination extend that. Your electrician should give a timeline with the quote.
What paperwork should I get afterwards?
Switchboard work is prescribed electrical work, so the licensed electrician must issue a Certificate of Compliance. Keep it with your house documents; insurers and future buyers may ask for it.
Budget $1,500–$4,000 for a standard Wellington upgrade per Weka Electrical's published guide. Get the board assessed before buying a heat pump or EV charger, expect a firm quote only after inspection, and keep the Certificate of Compliance. Weka for published pricing, Blizzard to bundle it with a heat pump, Astral for a free quote visit.