Switchboard upgrade
An original 1960s switchboard replaced and tested in one working day.
What we found and did
The 1960s house still had its original switchboard, with ceramic fuses, no RCD protection and a main switch that had been stiff for years. Two earlier quotes allowed two days with the power off, so the owner had kept putting the work off. A heat pump and kitchen circuit had also been added without any record of how they were connected.
We tested the existing circuits before quoting rather than assuming every one needed replacing. Ten of the twelve could be reused. We booked the lines company for an 8 am disconnection, replaced the board and tested each circuit as the power came back on. The added heat pump and kitchen circuits were the two exceptions. We re-terminated both properly instead of leaving the joins in the ceiling.
The result
The power went off at 8 am and was back on by 3.30 pm. The owner worked from the kitchen table for most of the day. Every final subcircuit now has RCD protection, the board is clearly labelled and there is room for a future EV charger. The Certificate of Compliance was sent with the invoice.
What the job included
- New switchboard, twelve circuits
- RCD protection on all final subcircuits
- Main switch and mains re-termination
- Re-termination of two undocumented added circuits
- Full circuit testing and board schedule
- Certificate of Compliance
Before and after
Before
After
On site
