
Switchboard upgrades Adelaide wide — modern protection, safer capacity & clear advice
How do you know if your switchboard is in need of attention? If your switchboard is outdated, if you are adding new electrical loads (such as air-conditioning, new power points or appliances during renovations, appliances), or if you are dealing with nuisance tripping, it may be time for a switchboard inspection or upgrade. Speak to our expert team here at SA Metro Electrical, as we have years of experience in handling all manner of electrical issues arising from faulty switchboards. We can book an inspection and diagnose your issue, and then give you straight-talking advice on how best to replace or repair your switchboard, as well as providing you with ongoing knowledge and assistance for your home or place of business.
SA Metro Electrical provides domestic and commercial electrical services right across the Adelaide metropolitan area. Located in Hendon and proudly serving suburbs including Adelaide CBD, West Lakes, North Adelaide, Henley Beach, Unley, Norwood, Prospect, Mawson Lakes, Burnside and Glenelg. Get in touch if you aren't sure if your area is covered, and we'll be glad to help.
Signs your switchboard may need attention
Switchboards aren't things that we usually think about - and like most electrical appliances and systems, people only tend to care about them when there's been an issue or a failure. If you aren't sure about the health of your switchboard, you can always call us for guidance, a free quote and honest appraisal. The following are signs that you may have an issue with your switchboard:
Breakers or RCDs trip repeatedly (especially when appliances, heating or cooling run)
"Half the house is out" or intermittent power issues
An older board with limited protection (common in older homes)
You're adding load (air-conditioning circuits, renovations, new appliances, EV charging prep)
Guide: Why breakers keep tripping →
Heat marks, buzzing, burning smell or arcing - it's urgent, don't delay.
What a modern switchboard upgrade may include
You've been told that your switchboard needs upgrading - but what does that mean? At SA Metro Electrical we pride ourselves on our superior customer service and honest advice, and we tell our customers that switchboard upgrades typically include:
Modern circuit protection (RCD and/or RCBO protection where required/appropriate)
Circuit reconfiguration to reduce overloads where possible
Optional surge protection (risk-reduction only; no guarantees)
Allowance for additional circuits (for new loads) where needed
Testing and safety checks before handover
Nuisance tripping — what it can mean
Tripping can be caused by overload (too much demand on a circuit) or a fault (wiring, moisture, failing equipment). How can you tell the difference? It's tricky to know unless a proper, professional assessment has been conducted. Our experienced teams of professionals at SA Metro Electrical will:
Isolate likely causes and test safely on site.
Identify if an upgrade is recommended, and explain why and what it solves.
Prioritise your safety, and that the switchboard is in working order.
Once we've got you booked in, we'll be in touch on the day to confirm our visiting time. Upon completing our inspection, we'll confirm access and what circuits may be interrupted as part of the upgrade / replacement - it's important to remember that power may need to be isolated while work is completed and tested. Finally, we'll label/describe what's been done (where applicable) and walk you through next steps, as well as provide you with advice for future use.
It's this approach to switchboard health, and to providing exceptional customer service to our customers, that makes SA Metro Electrical the preferred choice for both home and business owners in Adelaide when it comes to switchboard upgrades, repairs and replacements. We pride ourselves on our honesty, and will always be upfront with you about what your jobs requires, the work we're doing to get your job done safely and effectively, and the steps to be taken going forward regarding ongoing safety and health of your switchboard. Don't settle for less - talk to our team of experienced professionals today.
Quotes and pricing structure
The pricing on jobs we undertake here at SA Metro Electrical depends on the scope — number of fittings, access, whether new circuits are needed, and what is required to diagnose and repair faults being just a few of the factors we take into consideration. We're dedicated on providing value for money and a fair price for work done, as well as making sure our pricing is transparent for all our customers.
We do our best to book jobs in ahead of time, at a time that suits you. Whilst we provide emergency electrical work 24/7 for homes and properties, we also like to discuss larger jobs with you in detail, and work out a time where we can come and do a full site inspection, before giving you our honest advice on what your job requires, as well as a timeframe to completion and a honest, fair quote.
Free quotes are available for many domestic jobs.
Call-out fee and hourly rate may apply depending on the job and timing.
We will confirm the full scale, scope and approach of the job before work starts.
Do you service my suburb?
At SA Metro Electrical we're proud to provide the very best in domestic electrical services right across the Adelaide metropolitan area. No matter if you need electrical service for lighting, alarms, fans or appliance installations in your kitchen, living areas, bathroom or bedrooms, our teams of highly qualified and experienced electricians are here to provide you with superior customer service, competitive prices and honest straight-talking about your job. We service all major and surrounding suburban areas, including Adelaide CBD, West Lakes, North Adelaide, Henley Beach, Unley, Norwood, Prospect, Mawson Lakes, Burnside and Glenelg.
Not sure if you might be too far away? Call and we will confirm.
Related services
SA Metro Electrical are your go-to professional electricians for all domestic electrical work across Adelaide — providing repairs, upgrades, installations and checks for homes and home owners just like you. We provide electrical services ranging from simple lighting installations through to wiring of new home builds, renovations and extensions, and everything in between.
We also provide commercial electrical services for businesses and offices right across the Adelaide metropolitan area, so keep us in mind if your place of business needs the best in electrical work for shop fit outs, external lighting for carparks, shop front lighting, repairs or anything else you may require.
If you have an emergency after hours, then don't worry - our team at SA Metro Electrical provide 24/7 emergency electrical work callouts - see the links below for further information, or contact us directly to discuss the requirements of your job today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What's the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?
A: Both are safety devices. An RCD provides protection against certain electric shock risks; an RCBO combines RCD protection with circuit breaker protection for a specific circuit. We'll confirm what's suitable during inspection.
Q: Will the power be off during a switchboard upgrade?
A: Power usually needs to be isolated while work is completed and tested. We'll explain what to expect before starting.
Q: My breakers keep tripping — does that always mean I need an upgrade?
A: Not always. Tripping can be overload or a fault. We'll diagnose the cause first and then recommend the safest option.
A: In many cases, yes. We'll confirm suitability during inspection. Surge protection is risk-reduction only and can't prevent all damage.
Q: Can you add surge protection to my switchboard?
Q: Do you provide free quotes?
A: Free quotes are available for many jobs. Call-out fee and hourly rate may apply depending on the job and timing.
At SA Metro Electrical we provide customers with free quotes, down-to-earth, honest advice and superior results. From older boards and nuisance tripping to added loads and modern protection — we handle it all, just call or email to book an inspection. We will confirm scope and costs before work starts.
We service all Adelaide metro areas, and pride ourselves on delivering the best comprehensive services in all electrical work, domestic and commercial, both emergency and planned.








