Panel Upgrade Services
Panel Upgrade Services | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Newcomb
When your Newcomb home’s lights flicker under the strain of today’s high-demand appliances, it’s a sign your breaker box is living in the past. HEP’s licensed electricians replace outdated, undersized, or unsafe panels with precision, giving you the extra circuits, stable voltage, and surge protection that modern living—and sensitive electronics—require. From the first inspection to the final code-compliant install, we handle every detail so you can plug in, power up, and relax.
Our team lives and works in the North Country, so we know the local building codes, the quirks of older Adirondack cabins, and the urgency of keeping power reliable during storm season. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, installing EV chargers, or simply tired of tripped breakers, our electric panel upgrades deliver the capacity and safety you need—backed by HEP’s transparent pricing and 100% satisfaction promise.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electric panel in Newcomb?
Many homes in Newcomb were built before the 1990s and still rely on 60- to 100-amp fuse boxes or breaker boards that are not designed for today’s electrical loads. An upgrade to a modern 200-amp switchboard provides more circuits for appliances, better short-circuit protection, improved surge suppression, and compliance with current AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules. It also lowers the risk of electrical fires, reduces nuisance tripping, and is often required by insurers before they will cover major renovations or solar installations.
What are the warning signs that my current panel is outdated or unsafe?
Common red flags include warm or buzzing breakers, flickering lights when large appliances start, frequent breaker trips or fuse blow-outs, a burning smell around the board, corrosion or rust on the enclosure, and visible cloth or aluminium wiring entering the panel. If your switchboard still uses ceramic fuses or lacks a main earth leakage (RCD) device, it is almost certainly overdue for replacement.
How long will a panel upgrade take and will I lose power?
A straightforward like-for-like upgrade in the same location usually takes 4–6 hours. If the panel must be relocated, the meter box moved, or new service conductors installed, allow a full day. Your home will be without power during the actual change-over, generally 3–5 hours. We schedule work with Powercor or AusNet Services (the local supply authorities) so the outage is kept as short as possible, and we always restore essential circuits first.
Do I need permits or inspections for a panel upgrade in Newcomb?
Yes. All switchboard upgrades in Victoria require a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) issued by a licensed A-Grade electrician. In most cases the distributor must also disconnect and reconnect the mains, which means a Service Order and inspection. If the meter position or external enclosure changes, the City of Greater Geelong may ask for a building permit as well. We handle all paperwork, coordinate with the inspector, and supply you with copies of the COES and distributor approval when the job is complete.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost and what affects the price?
For a typical single-phase home, costs in Newcomb range from $1,800 to $3,500 including parts, labour, COES, and distributor fees. Factors that raise the price include three-phase service, relocation of the board, asbestos backing boards that require removal by specialists, replacing the mains cable, damaged consumer poles, or adding surge diverters and smart metering. We provide a fixed written quote after a free on-site assessment so there are no surprises.
Will upgrading my panel let me add solar, an EV charger, or future appliances?
Absolutely. A modern 200-amp (or 80-amp per phase on three-phase) switchboard with extra breaker space is the first step toward home electrification. It gives you capacity for rooftop solar inverters, battery systems, heat-pump hot water, induction cooking, and 7 kW EV chargers without overloading the mains. We can also pre-wire spare circuits and conduit runs so future expansions are plug-and-play, saving you time and money later.