The Problem

A customer in Kensington contacted Bright Force Electrical after losing power to the powerpoints in their property.

Our electricians attended to assess the electrical supply and existing switchboard. Following the inspection, the property required an upgrade of the existing three-phase switchboard and circuit protection equipment to provide a safer and more reliable electrical installation.

Work Completed

Our electricians completed a three-phase switchboard upgrade in Kensington, including:

• Isolation of the existing electrical supply
• Removal of the old switchboard enclosure and obsolete protection equipment
• Installation of a new plastic switchboard enclosure
• Installation of a new three-phase main switch
• Installation of individual safety switches (electrocution protection devices) for the existing circuits
• Transfer and termination of the existing electrical circuits onto the new protection equipment
• Looming, dressing and organisation of internal switchboard cabling
• Installation of insulated Bramite switchboard backing
• Installation of a surge arrestor/diverter
• Testing of the new switchboard, circuits and protective devices
• Re-energising and commissioning of the electrical installation

Three-Phase Switchboard Upgrade

The existing switchboard equipment was replaced with modern circuit protection, including individual safety switches for the property’s electrical circuits.

Individual circuit protection improves electrical safety while helping ensure that a fault affecting one circuit does not unnecessarily disconnect multiple circuits throughout the property.

An insulated Bramite backing panel was also installed within the switchboard enclosure as part of the upgrade and fire-protective measures.

Whole-Home Surge Protection

A new surge arrestor was installed at the main switchboard to provide additional protection against damaging electrical surges and voltage spikes.

Switchboard surge protection helps protect equipment throughout the property, including TVs, computers, refrigerators, electrical appliances, lighting and electrical cabling.

The surge protection device remains in the background during normal operation but provides an additional layer of protection to the property’s electrical system when a damaging surge occurs.

Safety & Compliance

The three-phase switchboard upgrade was completed with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules, including requirements relating to switchboard protection and fire-protective measures.

Following installation, the switchboard circuits, individual safety switches and surge protection equipment were tested before the electrical installation was re-energised and commissioned.

The Result

The Kensington property received a new three-phase switchboard enclosure with individual safety switch protection, insulated Bramite backing and whole-home surge protection, providing a safer, modern and more reliable electrical installation following the customer’s loss of power to their powerpoints.

The Problem

A customer in Vaucluse contacted Bright Force Electrical after their dryer failed and tripped the circuit breaker. Although the switches at the switchboard had been reset, the lights throughout the affected area of the property would not come back on.

Our electricians attended to investigate the loss of lighting and identified a short circuit/cable fault between existing electrical points. The property also required an upgrade to its existing three-phase switchboard and electrical protection.

Fault Finding & Electrical Repairs

After investigating the electrical fault, our electricians isolated the damaged section of cabling and determined that part of the affected circuit needed to be rewired.

The repair included:

• Locating and isolating the faulty electrical cable causing the short circuit
• Separating the affected circuit from the existing ground floor circuit
• Installing new 1.5mm² electrical cabling
• Creating a new dedicated circuit for the IXL
• Reconfiguring the existing power point onto the appropriate power circuit
• Installing a new 10A RCBO safety switch to protect the dedicated lighting circuit
• Removing redundant wiring where practical
• Testing and commissioning the repaired and newly configured circuits

This allowed the damaged section of the electrical installation to be safely separated and the affected lighting supply restored.

Three-Phase Switchboard Upgrade

As part of the works, Bright Force Electrical also completed a three-phase switchboard upgrade in Vaucluse.

The existing switchboard equipment was disconnected and removed before installation of new protection equipment, including:

• New three-phase main switch
• Individual RCBO safety switches (electrocution protection devices) for the sub-circuits
• Re-termination and organisation of existing circuit cabling
• Looming and tidying of internal switchboard wiring
• Insulated Bramite backing within the switchboard enclosure
• Full testing and commissioning of the upgraded switchboard

Individual RCBO protection means an electrical fault can be isolated to the affected circuit rather than unnecessarily causing multiple circuits throughout the home to lose power.

Three-Phase Mains Disconnection & Reconnection

The property’s three-phase mains power supply was safely disconnected to allow the electrical upgrade works to be completed.

New three-phase service connectors were installed to provide secure connections between the incoming electrical supply and consumer mains.

Once the work was completed, the three-phase supply was reconnected and tested to confirm correct phasing, secure connections and safe operation before power was restored to the property.

Whole-Home Surge Protection

A new surge protection device was installed at the main switchboard to provide additional protection against damaging electrical surges.

Switchboard surge protection helps protect electrical equipment throughout the home, including TVs, computers, refrigerators, appliances, electrical cabling and lighting, from voltage spikes and transient surges.

Much like airbags in a car, surge protection sits quietly in the background but is designed to protect the home’s electrical system when it matters most.

Safety & Compliance

The switchboard, dedicated circuit, three-phase supply and associated electrical work were completed with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules, including switchboard protection, RCD requirements and fire-protective measures.

The insulated Bramite backing, individual RCBO protection, new service connectors and surge protection provide the property with a safer and more modern electrical installation.

The Result

What began as a dryer tripping the circuit breaker and leaving the Vaucluse property without working lights led to the discovery of an underlying cable fault.

Bright Force Electrical located and isolated the short circuit, partially rewired the affected electrical circuit and installed a new dedicated IXL circuit. The property also received a new three-phase switchboard with individual RCBO safety switches, Bramite backing, new three-phase service connectors and whole-home surge protection.

The result was restored lighting, improved electrical safety and a significantly upgraded electrical system for the Vaucluse home.

The Problem

Bright Force Electrical was engaged to complete strata electrical works in Randwick after the existing meter and switchboard installation was found to contain asbestos material within the fuse board backing and pre-existing electrical main conduit.

The existing switchboard also contained old ceramic rewireable fuses and obsolete switchgear, requiring an upgrade to improve electrical safety, circuit protection and the serviceability of the installation.

Work Completed

Our electricians completed a comprehensive strata switchboard upgrade in Randwick, including:

• Safe disconnection and removal of the existing asbestos switchboard backing panel, with disposal carried out in accordance with applicable requirements
• Installation of a new fire-rated Bakelite switchboard backing panel
• Removal of existing ceramic rewireable fuses and obsolete switchgear
• Installation of new switchboard enclosures
• Installation of 11 RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection) to provide combined circuit and electrocution protection
• Replacement of existing time switches/timers with new units
• Reconfiguration, termination and organisation of switchboard wiring
• Permanent labelling of circuits and electrical equipment
• Testing of the new RCBOs and associated circuits before commissioning

Safety & Compliance

The upgraded switchboard provides modern RCBO safety switch protection, helping protect against electrical faults, overcurrent and electric shock.

The switchboard was also reconfigured to provide a neat, accessible and serviceable installation with spare capacity for future electrical upgrades.

All electrical work was completed in accordance with applicable Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 3000 where relevant, network requirements and electrical industry practices.

Future-Proofing the Switchboard

As part of the upgrade, the Randwick strata switchboard was configured with future electrical requirements in mind.

The new arrangement provides capacity for additional circuits and can better accommodate future upgrades such as a three-phase electrical supply and EV charging equipment, reducing the need for major switchboard modifications later.

The Result

The outdated asbestos-backed switchboard and ceramic fuses were replaced with a modern strata switchboard incorporating 11 RCBO safety switches, new enclosures, updated timers, clear circuit labelling and provision for future electrical upgrades.

The result is a safer, more serviceable and future-ready electrical installation for the Randwick strata property.

The Job

We recently attended a property in Darlington, Sydney, after the customer contacted Bright Force Electrical for a quote to upgrade their existing electrical switchboard.

After inspecting the existing setup, we recommended replacing the older switchboard equipment with a new single-phase switchboard, individual RCBO safety switches, a new steel meter enclosure and new 100A service fuse equipment.

The aim of the upgrade was to modernise the property’s electrical protection, improve the overall safety of the installation and leave the customer with a cleaner and more serviceable switchboard setup.

What We Did

Our electricians completed a single-phase switchboard upgrade in Darlington, including:

• Removal and safe disposal of the old switchboard equipment
• Installation of a new single-phase switchboard
• Installation of a new main switch
• Installation of individual RCBO safety switches (electrocution protection devices)
• Installation of a new steel meter enclosure
• Installation of a new 100A 500VAC service fuse base and holder
• Transfer of the existing circuits onto the new protection equipment
• Stripping and re-termination of the corresponding circuit cabling
• Looming and tidying of the internal switchboard wiring
• Testing of the new RCBOs and associated circuits
• Final testing and commissioning of the upgraded electrical installation

New Single-Phase Switchboard

The existing switchboard equipment was disconnected and removed before we installed a new single-phase switchboard with modern circuit protection.

The existing circuits were transferred across to individual RCBOs, with the cabling properly stripped, terminated and secured to the new devices.

We also took the time to organise and tidy the internal wiring. This leaves the customer with a much cleaner switchboard and makes it easier for an electrician to identify, test and service individual circuits in the future.

Upgrading to Individual RCBO Safety Switches

One of the biggest improvements with this Darlington switchboard upgrade was moving the circuits onto individual RCBO safety switch protection.

An RCBO combines safety switch and circuit breaker protection into a single device, providing protection against electric shock, overloads and short circuits.

Individual protection also has a practical benefit. If a fault develops on one protected circuit, that individual circuit can trip rather than unnecessarily shutting down multiple circuits throughout the property.

This is particularly useful for circuits supplying equipment such as lighting, powerpoints, hot water, air conditioning and cooking appliances.

New Steel Meter Enclosure

As part of the upgrade, we also installed a new steel meter enclosure.

The existing equipment was removed where required, the installation area was prepared and the new enclosure was securely mounted to provide a strong and serviceable location for the property’s electrical and metering equipment.

The new steel enclosure also gives the completed installation a much cleaner and more professional finish compared with the older setup.

New 100A Service Fuse Equipment

The electrical supply equipment was also upgraded with a new 100A 500VAC service fuse base and holder.

The service fuse is an important part of the incoming electrical supply and provides protection between the electricity network and the property’s electrical installation.

Completing this work alongside the new switchboard and meter enclosure meant we could provide a more complete upgrade of the property’s electrical infrastructure rather than simply replacing the circuit breakers inside the board.

Testing & Electrical Safety

Once the new switchboard equipment had been installed, our electricians tested the main switch, individual RCBO safety switches and associated electrical circuits before commissioning the installation.

When upgrading an older switchboard to modern RCBO protection, existing wiring faults or electrical leakage elsewhere in the property can sometimes become apparent because modern safety switches provide a higher level of protection than older equipment.

If an existing circuit trips after an upgrade, further electrical fault finding may be required to locate and rectify the underlying issue.

The switchboard work was completed with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Australian electrical safety requirements.

The Result

The customer originally contacted us looking for a switchboard upgrade in Darlington, and we were able to modernise the property’s electrical protection and associated supply equipment as part of the project.

The property now has a new single-phase switchboard with individual RCBO safety switches, a new steel meter enclosure and new 100A service fuse equipment.

The completed installation provides the customer with a safer, cleaner and more serviceable electrical setup, with modern individual circuit protection replacing the older switchboard equipment.

at their Surry Hills property kept tripping at the switchboard, despite the main switch and safety switches having previously been upgraded.

Our electrician returned to investigate the issue and carried out electrical fault finding on the upstairs lighting circuit, checking the switchboard protection and associated wiring and equipment to identify the source of the repeated tripping.

Rather than simply resetting or replacing the safety switch, the focus was on identifying the underlying electrical fault and ensuring the affected lighting circuit could operate safely.

The Job

We recently attended a home in Hurstville where the customer was preparing to have a home battery system installed, but their existing meter board needed to be upgraded before the new battery installation could go ahead.

With solar and battery systems becoming more common, the existing electrical infrastructure sometimes needs to be upgraded first to ensure the meter board, consumer mains and earthing system are suitable for the new equipment and meet the applicable electrical requirements.

After assessing the existing installation, we completed the required meter board and electrical supply upgrades to prepare the Hurstville property for its new battery system.

What We Did

The electrical upgrade included:

• Removal of the existing meter board equipment where required
• Supply and installation of a new steel meter enclosure
• Preparation of the new enclosure for the required electrical and metering equipment
• Supply and installation of approximately 8 metres of 16mm² XLPE single-phase consumer mains cable
• Termination and testing of the new consumer mains
• Installation of a new earth stake
• Installation of the associated main earthing cabling
• Testing of the upgraded electrical installation
• Preparation of the meter board for the customer’s upcoming home battery installation

New Steel Meter Enclosure

A new steel meter enclosure was installed to replace the existing meter board setup.

The installation area was prepared and the new enclosure securely mounted, providing a strong, durable and serviceable location for the property’s electrical and metering equipment.

Upgrading the meter enclosure was an important part of preparing the property for the battery installation, ensuring the electrical equipment could be arranged in a cleaner and more suitable configuration.

New 16mm² XLPE Consumer Mains

As part of the upgrade, we installed approximately 8 metres of new 16mm² XLPE single-phase consumer mains cable.

Consumer mains carry electricity between the incoming supply and the property’s main switchboard, making them an important part of the electrical infrastructure.

The new XLPE mains cable was installed, correctly terminated and tested to provide a durable and reliable electrical supply suitable for the upgraded installation.

Upgrading the Earthing System

We also installed a new earth stake and associated earthing cable as part of the electrical upgrade.

The earthing system is a critical part of the home’s electrical safety system. In the event of certain electrical faults, it works together with the property’s protective devices to help the electrical supply disconnect safely.

When preparing an older electrical installation for equipment such as a home battery or solar battery system, it’s important to look at the complete electrical installation rather than simply making space for the new equipment.

Preparing the Home for Battery Installation

The customer originally contacted us because their existing meter board needed upgrading before their home battery installation could proceed.

Rather than treating the battery as a standalone piece of equipment, we upgraded the supporting electrical infrastructure so the property would be properly prepared for the next stage of the installation.

The new steel meter enclosure, 16mm² XLPE consumer mains and earthing system provide a much stronger foundation for the customer’s planned battery upgrade.

Electrical Safety & Compliance

The meter board, consumer mains and earthing upgrades were completed with consideration to the applicable requirements of AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and relevant electrical safety requirements.

Once the new mains cabling and earthing equipment had been installed, our electricians completed the required terminations and electrical testing to confirm the upgraded installation was operating correctly.

The Result

The Hurstville property is now prepared for the customer’s planned home battery installation, with the older electrical infrastructure upgraded to provide a safer and more suitable setup.

We installed a new steel meter enclosure, approximately 8 metres of 16mm² XLPE single-phase consumer mains and a new earth stake with associated earthing cabling.

The customer was left with an upgraded meter board and electrical supply infrastructure, ready for the next stage of their home battery installation.

The Project

We recently completed a major commercial and Level 2 electrical upgrade at Pizza Hut in Kogarah, involving the incoming mains supply, metering, point of attachment, switchboards, safety switches and earthing system.

The property contained both the Pizza Hut commercial tenancy and an upstairs residential unit, which made this more involved than a standard switchboard upgrade. The existing electrical infrastructure required significant work to bring the installation up to current requirements and provide safe, accessible electrical protection for both the shop and residential areas.

Our electricians and Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP) electricians completed the upgrade, including coordination and required documentation for Ausgrid.

New 25mm² Consumer Mains

A major part of the project was upgrading the property’s incoming electrical supply.

We supplied and installed new 25mm² consumer mains from the point of attachment through to the main switchboard.

The old consumer mains were disconnected and replaced with new 25mm² XLPE cabling, including:

• New 25mm² consumer mains from the point of attachment to the main switchboard
• New 25mm² XLPE cable to the meter
• New 25mm² XLPE cable from the meter to the main switch
• Disconnection of the existing consumer mains
• Connection and termination of the new electrical supply cabling

The existing associated cabling was also rewired where required to bring the installation in line with applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.

New Commercial & Residential Switchboards

Because the building supplies both a commercial Pizza Hut tenancy and an upstairs residence, the electrical distribution needed to be properly separated, accessible and protected.

We supplied and installed new commercial and residential switchboard equipment, including a new 600mm x 600mm galvanised main switchboard at the front of the property.

The switchboard work included:

• New commercial electrical board for the Pizza Hut tenancy
• New residential electrical board for the upstairs unit
• New 600mm x 600mm galvanised main switchboard
• 2 new main switches
• New individual RCBO safety switches (electrocution protection devices)
• New neutral links
• New active links
• Current-limiting main switch equipment
• New SPD/MPD equipment
• Rewiring and re-termination of the associated switchboard cabling
• Clear labelling of electrical circuits and outlets

The completed setup provides much clearer separation between the commercial and residential electrical installations while making future servicing and fault isolation easier.

Relocating the Residential Switchboard

One of the major issues we identified was the location of the residential switchboard for the upstairs unit.

The switchboard was located externally on the wall of the neighbouring property, meaning the occupants could not easily access their own electrical protection equipment in an emergency.

This location was not suitable, so we relocated the residential switchboard inside the residential property, providing the upstairs occupants with proper access to their main switch and safety switches.

This was an important part of the project because electrical protection equipment needs to be accessible when power needs to be isolated quickly or a safety switch needs to be reset.

Point of Attachment & Aerial Mains Relocation

The project also involved significant Level 2 electrical work on the overhead supply.

The existing point of attachment (POA) was relocated to a more suitable position, and the aerial electrical mains were moved across to the new point of attachment.

Our Level 2 electrical work included:

• Relocation of the existing point of attachment
• Relocation of the aerial mains to the new POA
• Connection of the new 25mm² consumer mains
• Installation of 3 new 80A service fuses
• Required work on the incoming Ausgrid electrical supply
• Testing and verification before energisation

This provided a properly configured connection between the network supply and the newly upgraded electrical infrastructure.

Metering Upgrade & Relocation

Both the Pizza Hut shop and upstairs flat metering were relocated to the new external main switchboard.

As part of the metering work, the existing older disc-style electricity meters were upgraded to digital metering.

Relocating the meters to the outside main switchboard provides a more practical and accessible location for metering equipment while forming part of the overall electrical supply upgrade.

New Safety Switch Protection

All required circuits were upgraded with new safety switch protection.

Modern RCBOs provide combined overcurrent, short-circuit and electrocution protection, offering a significant safety improvement compared with older electrical protection equipment.

With a mixed-use building containing both a busy commercial kitchen and residential accommodation, having properly separated and protected electrical circuits is particularly important.

New Earthing System

The property’s electrical earthing system was also upgraded.

We supplied and installed a new earth stake and new main earthing cabling, providing the upgraded electrical installation with an appropriate earthing arrangement.

Earthing forms a critical part of the electrical safety system and works together with the circuit protection equipment to help protective devices operate correctly in the event of an electrical fault.

Electrical Testing & Circuit Labelling

Once the new electrical infrastructure had been installed, we carried out comprehensive testing before the installation was commissioned.

This included insulation resistance testing of the electrical circuits, along with the required electrical checks of the upgraded supply and protection equipment.

All relevant circuits and outlets were also clearly labelled, making the commercial and residential switchboards easier to identify, isolate and maintain in the future.

Level 2 Electrical Work & Ausgrid Documentation

Because this project involved the point of attachment, aerial mains, service fuses, consumer mains and metering, a significant portion of the work required a qualified Level 2 electrician.

Our Level 2 electricians were able to manage the required network-side electrical work alongside the switchboard and internal electrical upgrades.

Once the installation was completed, we prepared and submitted the required Ausgrid paperwork associated with the works.

A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) was also completed for the applicable electrical work and provided as required to the customer and Ausgrid.

The project was carried out subject to the relevant Ausgrid approval and network requirements.

The Result

This was a substantial electrical infrastructure upgrade that went well beyond a standard commercial switchboard replacement.

The Pizza Hut Kogarah property received new 25mm² XLPE consumer mains, three 80A service fuses, a new 600x600mm galvanised main switchboard, separate commercial and residential switchboards, new RCBO safety switches, upgraded digital metering, a relocated point of attachment and aerial mains, and a new earthing system.

We also relocated the upstairs residential switchboard from an unsuitable location on the neighbouring property to an accessible position within the residence.

The result is a much safer, more accessible and more serviceable electrical installation for both the Pizza Hut commercial tenancy and upstairs residential unit, supported by the required testing, compliance certification and Ausgrid documentation.

The Problem

We recently attended a property in Bexley where the existing electrical installation still contained old cotton-insulated electrical wiring.

Cotton cabling is commonly found in older Sydney homes and, due to its age, the insulation can become brittle, deteriorated and unsafe. Once the insulation begins breaking down, there is an increased risk of exposed conductors, electrical faults and other safety issues.

After inspecting the installation, we recommended replacing the old cotton wiring with modern PVC-insulated copper electrical cabling. The job also involved removing the old asbestos switchboard panel, installing a new steel meter enclosure, upgrading the property’s earthing and installing a new bathroom heat, light and fan unit.

Removing the Old Cotton Electrical Wiring

A major part of this project was the removal and replacement of the old cotton-insulated wiring.

Our electricians disconnected the affected circuits and removed the redundant cotton cabling wherever it was safely accessible, including the existing cotton wiring terminating within the switchboard.

When working on older homes, rewiring isn’t always as straightforward as pulling out the old cable and installing a new one. Existing wiring can run through old metal conduit, inaccessible ceiling areas and parts of the building that have been altered over the years.

Where the existing metal conduit within the ceiling space was accessible, it was removed carefully to avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding building structure and other services.

Where sections could not practically be removed due to access or structural restrictions, they were electrically isolated, securely capped and left in a safe condition.

Rewiring With Modern PVC Cabling

The old cotton wiring was replaced with modern PVC-insulated copper electrical cabling, appropriately sized for the circuits being supplied.

New cabling was run neatly through the property, properly supported and protected to provide a much safer and more reliable electrical installation.

Replacing deteriorated cotton wiring is particularly important in older homes because the condition of the insulation can continue to worsen over time. What may initially appear to be intact wiring can become brittle when disturbed during renovations, maintenance or electrical work.

By completing the rewire, we were able to remove the ageing cabling from the nominated circuits and replace it with modern wiring designed for today’s electrical requirements.

Asbestos Switchboard Panel Removal

The existing switchboard also contained an old asbestos backing panel, which required removal as part of the electrical upgrade.

The existing cotton wiring within the switchboard was disconnected and removed before the asbestos panel was taken out using appropriate procedures.

Removing the old asbestos panel allowed the ageing switchboard setup to be replaced with a cleaner and more modern electrical installation.

New Steel Meter Enclosure

As part of the project, we supplied and installed a new steel meter enclosure.

The old equipment was disconnected and removed where required, and the installation area was prepared for the new enclosure.

The steel meter box provides a strong and durable enclosure for the property’s metering and electrical equipment while giving the installation a much cleaner and more serviceable finish.

New Earth Stake

The property’s electrical earthing system was also upgraded with the installation of a new earth stake.

The earth stake was positioned a safe distance from the house and connected using the required earthing conductor.

A properly installed earthing system is an essential part of the home’s electrical safety system. If an electrical fault occurs, the earthing arrangement works together with the protective devices to help disconnect the affected electrical supply.

When we’re rewiring an older property, we look beyond simply replacing the cables and also consider whether important parts of the installation, such as the switchboard and earthing system, require upgrading.

Bathroom Heat, Light & Fan Installation

While completing the electrical upgrades, we also installed a new bathroom heat, light and fan unit.

The installation included the required cabling and switching, providing the bathroom with combined heating, lighting and ventilation.

The exhaust fan helps remove warm, moisture-filled air from the bathroom, while the heat lamps provide additional comfort during colder weather.

Electrical Testing & Compliance

Once the new electrical wiring was installed, our electricians tested the affected circuits before they were returned to service.

Testing included checks for:

• Continuity
• Insulation resistance
• Polarity
• Correct circuit operation

These tests help confirm that the new cabling has been correctly installed and that the circuits are operating safely.

All electrical work was completed by licensed electricians with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Australian electrical safety requirements.

The Result

This Bexley electrical rewire involved much more than simply replacing a few old cables.

We removed deteriorated cotton-insulated electrical wiring and replaced it with modern PVC-insulated copper cabling, removed the existing asbestos switchboard panel, installed a new steel meter enclosure and earth stake, and completed the installation of a new bathroom heat, light and fan unit.

The result is a significantly improved electrical installation with modern wiring, upgraded electrical infrastructure and improved safety, while removing ageing materials commonly found in older Sydney homes.

The Problem

We recently attended a home in Woronora, Sutherland Shire, after the customer had Energy Australia attend the property and identify asbestos material within the existing switchboard.

Older switchboards can contain asbestos-based backing panels and other outdated components. Once asbestos is identified, it needs to be treated carefully, particularly when electrical upgrade work is required in or around the affected area.

Our electricians assessed the existing electrical installation and carried out a single-phase switchboard upgrade, replacing the outdated protection equipment and completing additional safety upgrades to the service fuse and earthing system.

What We Did

The electrical work at the Woronora property included:

• Upgrade of the existing single-phase switchboard
• Installation of a new main switch
• Installation of individual RCBO safety switches (electrocution protection devices)
• Removal and replacement of obsolete switchboard protection equipment
• Installation of new insulated Bramite switchboard backing
• Installation of a new 100A 500VAC service fuse base and holder
• Installation of a new earth stake
• Installation of up to 3 metres of associated earthing cable
• Re-termination and securing of the existing switchboard circuits
• Looming and tidying of internal switchboard wiring
• Testing and commissioning of the upgraded electrical installation

Dealing With the Asbestos Switchboard

The original reason for the customer contacting us was the asbestos identified within the switchboard following EnergyAustralia’s attendance.

With older electrical installations, asbestos-containing switchboard components can be encountered around older fuse panels and backing boards. These materials require appropriate care and cannot simply be drilled, cut or disturbed like a modern switchboard panel.

As part of the electrical upgrade, the switchboard was fitted with new insulated Bramite backing, providing a suitable modern surface for the upgraded electrical equipment.

Upgrading the Switchboard Protection

The existing switchboard internals were upgraded from the older protection equipment to a modern setup incorporating a new main switch and individual RCBO safety switches.

RCBOs provide combined protection against overloads, short circuits and electric shock, giving the home a significantly improved level of electrical protection.

Individual RCBO protection also means that a fault on one protected circuit can be isolated to that particular circuit rather than unnecessarily disconnecting several areas of the home at once.

New Service Fuse Equipment

We also installed a new 100A 500VAC service fuse base and holder as part of the electrical supply upgrade.

The service fuse forms an important part of the incoming electrical supply infrastructure and provides protection between the electricity network and the property’s electrical installation.

Replacing the service fuse equipment alongside the switchboard upgrade gave the property a more complete electrical safety upgrade rather than simply replacing the internal circuit protection.

New Earth Stake & Earthing System

The property’s earthing was also upgraded with the installation of a new earth stake, positioned a safe distance from the home and connected using the required earthing cable.

The earthing system is a critical part of an electrical installation. In the event of certain electrical faults, it provides a path for fault current that assists the property’s protective devices in operating correctly.

For this reason, we don’t just focus on what is visible inside the switchboard when completing an upgrade – the condition and effectiveness of the associated electrical earthing system also needs to be considered.

Fire Protection & Bramite Backing

The new insulated Bramite backing was installed with consideration to the fire-protective requirements of AS/NZS 3000 Clause 2.10.7.

Switchboard wiring and cable entries need to be installed in a way that helps minimise the potential spread of fire should an electrical fault originate within the switchboard.

The associated wiring was therefore properly terminated, organised and tidied as part of the completed installation.

Testing & Electrical Safety

Once the switchboard, service fuse equipment and earth stake were installed, our electricians tested the new protection equipment and associated electrical installation before commissioning the system.

Modern RCBO safety switches are more sensitive than many older protection devices. In some older homes, installing modern protection can expose existing electrical leakage or wiring faults that were previously undetected. If this occurs, further electrical fault finding may be required to locate and rectify the underlying issue.

The completed work was carried out with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Australian electrical safety requirements.

The Result

What started with EnergyAustralia identifying asbestos in the switchboard at this Woronora home resulted in a broader electrical safety upgrade.

The property received an upgraded single-phase switchboard with a new main switch, individual RCBO safety switches and insulated Bramite backing, along with a new 100A service fuse base and holder and new earth stake.

The completed work left the customer with a safer, cleaner and more modern electrical installation, replacing outdated switchboard equipment and improving both circuit protection and the property’s earthing system.

The Job

We recently attended a home in Cronulla, Sutherland Shire, where the customer wanted a new sauna professionally wired and connected.

The sauna itself was supplied by the customer, and our electricians were engaged to complete the electrical side of the installation, including the required cabling, sauna heater, lighting, switching and a weatherproof isolator.

Because a sauna combines high-powered heating equipment with a hot and potentially humid environment, getting the electrical installation right is particularly important for both safety and reliable operation.

What We Did

Our electricians completed the electrical installation required for the customer’s new sauna, including:

• Running the required electrical cabling for the sauna
• Wiring and installation of the customer-supplied sauna heater/heaters
• Installation and connection of the sauna lighting
• Installation and connection of the required switches
• Installation of a new weatherproof isolating switch
• Checking the electrical supply for suitability
• Checking the integrity of the electrical connections
• Testing and commissioning the completed sauna electrical installation
• Cleaning the work area once the installation was complete

Sauna Heater Installation

The sauna heater is one of the most important parts of the electrical installation and needs to be correctly connected to a suitable electrical supply.

Our electrician ran the required cabling and completed the electrical installation of the customer-supplied sauna heater, ensuring all connections were properly terminated and secured.

The electrical supply was checked as part of the installation before the sauna equipment was tested and commissioned.

Weatherproof Isolator

A new weatherproof isolator switch was installed as part of the sauna electrical works.

The isolator provides a dedicated point where the electrical supply to the sauna equipment can be safely switched off when required, making it easier to isolate the equipment for servicing, maintenance or electrical work.

The mounting location was prepared where necessary before the isolator was securely installed and connected.

Sauna Lighting & Switching

As well as wiring the heating equipment, we completed the electrical installation for the lighting and switching within the sauna.

The required cabling was run to the relevant locations before the lighting and switches were installed and connected, providing the customer with a complete and practical electrical setup for their new sauna.

Electrical Safety & Testing

Saunas operate differently from standard rooms because electrical equipment is exposed to high temperatures and increased moisture levels, making correct equipment selection, positioning and electrical installation particularly important.

Once all cabling, heating equipment, lighting, switching and isolation equipment had been installed, our electricians checked the electrical supply and tested the completed installation to confirm everything was operating correctly.

The electrical work was completed with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Australian electrical safety requirements.

The Result

The customer-supplied sauna at the Cronulla property was fully wired and electrically connected, including the sauna heater, lighting, switches, electrical cabling and weatherproof isolator.

The customer was left with a professionally completed sauna electrical installation in Cronulla, ready for safe and reliable use.

The Job

We recently completed a downlight installation in Miranda, Sutherland Shire, upgrading the home’s lighting with modern LED downlights.

The customer wanted a cleaner and more modern lighting setup, so our electricians installed new 3-colour LED downlights, using the existing lighting infrastructure where suitable and creating new downlight positions where required.

What We Did

Before starting the installation, our electrician isolated the lighting circuits and checked the existing electrical wiring to make sure it was suitable for the new downlights.

The work included:

• Isolation of the existing lighting circuits
• Testing of the lighting circuits before installation
• Removal of existing light fittings/downlights where required
• Measuring and marking the positions for the new downlights
• Creating new ceiling apertures where required
• Installation of new 3-colour LED downlights
• Connection to suitable existing lighting wiring
• Testing each downlight after installation
• Final testing and commissioning of the lighting circuits

Where existing downlights were being replaced, we matched the existing ceiling apertures wherever possible to achieve a clean finish without unnecessary modifications to the ceiling.

3-Colour LED Downlights

We installed modern 3-colour selectable LED downlights, giving the homeowner more flexibility over the colour temperature of their lighting.

Depending on the selected setting, these downlights can provide a warmer light for relaxed living areas, a neutral light for general everyday use or a cooler white light for areas where brighter task lighting is preferred.

LED downlights are also an excellent upgrade for older homes because they provide bright, even lighting while using significantly less energy than many traditional lighting options.

Getting the Downlight Layout Right

When installing new downlights, getting the spacing and positioning right is just as important as the light fitting itself.

Our electricians measured the new downlight positions before cutting the ceiling apertures to provide even light coverage and a clean, consistent appearance throughout the room.

We also checked the existing electrical circuit before connecting the new lights to make sure the wiring was suitable for the installation.

Electrical Safety & Testing

All lighting circuits were safely isolated before any existing fittings were removed or new ceiling penetrations were made.

Once the new LED downlights were installed, our electricians tested the lighting circuit and individual fittings to confirm everything was connected correctly and operating as intended.

The electrical work was completed with consideration to applicable AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Australian electrical safety requirements.

The Result

The Miranda home was left with a cleaner and more modern lighting setup using new 3-colour LED downlights.

The carefully positioned downlights provide improved light coverage throughout the space while giving the homeowner the flexibility to select the colour temperature that best suits their home.

The result is a simple but effective lighting upgrade in Miranda, providing a more modern appearance, improved illumination and energy-efficient LED lighting.