Understanding a switchboard-work quotation in Victoria
Short answer
Been given a quote to repair or upgrade a switchboard? Ask whether it covers an inspection, one component or a full replacement. The work and certificate requirements can differ. Request a written scope explaining the devices and wiring to be changed, what is excluded and when a new price would be needed.
Two published 2026 switchboard price examples
Home Upkeep's 2026 Melbourne guide lists $1,500–$4,000 for a full switchboard upgrade. Carlin Co Electrical's separate 2026 Melbourne price guide lists $1,500–$3,500 for a full switchboard replacement and says its guide table includes GST. These are two publishers' indicative figures for potentially different scopes, not a verified Melbourne market average or actual quotes for your home. Ask for a written GST-inclusive total specifying protection devices and circuits, incoming cables, earthing, meter-related work, any required Certificate of Electrical Safety, and any independent inspection. The site's condition may change the scope and price. (Sources checked 18 October 2026.)
Compare the proposed work
Ask which of these scopes matches the quote before comparing prices.
Ask the electrician which identified fault, safety requirement or capacity limitation makes the proposed work necessary, whether a smaller compliant repair would be appropriate, and which items are optional upgrades. Do not delay action on an immediate electrical hazard while comparing prices.
Scope | What it may include | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
Inspection | Assessing the existing board and recommending work | Does the fee include any repair or only a report? |
Single component | Replacing one switch or protective device | Which part, tests and certificate are included? |
Full board replacement | New enclosure, protection devices and work on circuits | Which circuits, wiring and certification are included? |
Related supply or wiring | Incoming supply cables, protective earthing or meter-related work | Will another party need to attend and is their cost included? |
Check the written price
Ask which circuits and devices are included, whether cables bringing power to the board or protective earthing connections need work, and whether the electricity distributor or meter operator must be involved. Confirm labour, parts, access, any supply interruption, GST and the process for approving variations.
Electrical installation work may need a Certificate of Electrical Safety and, depending on its classification, an independent inspection. Ask the electrician whether the actual work is prescribed or non-prescribed and what's included in the price. For licensing and certificate checks, see How to check a Victorian electrician's licence and electrical paperwork.
A short quote request
Replace bracketed placeholders before sending.
Please describe the exact switchboard work, the devices and circuits affected, whether incoming cables, earthing or meter-related work is included, and the total with GST. Which COES and independent inspection requirements apply, and what would cost extra?
If you suspect electrical danger
If you receive a shock or tingle from a tap or appliance, contact your electricity distributor immediately. Keep clear of exposed or damaged wiring and seek urgent qualified help. Call 000 if there is a fire or an immediate threat to life. Do not work inside a switchboard yourself.
Your next step
Compare your quotes
Set out the work and fee lines. Keep missing charges and differences in scope visible.
Compare your quotes