Do I need a new switchboard for induction, a heat pump or an EV charger?

Quick answer: Not always. If your switchboard already has modern circuit breakers, safety switches (RCDs) protecting every circuit, and spare space for new circuits, an induction cooktop, heat pump or EV charger can often be added without a full upgrade. If your board still has ceramic fuses, has no spare space, or only protects some circuits with safety switches, you'll almost certainly need an upgrade first. A licensed electrician can tell you in a 15-minute check.

By Jordan Grant, licensed electrician (ACT & NSW)

Why going electric puts pressure on older switchboards

A lot of Canberra homes were wired when the biggest loads were an electric oven and a hot water system. Now many households are moving off gas. They're replacing gas cooktops with induction, gas heating with reverse-cycle air conditioning, gas hot water with a heat pump, and adding an EV charger in the garage.

Each of those appliances usually needs its own dedicated circuit, and several of them draw a lot of power at the same time. That means three questions for your switchboard:

1. Is there physical space on the board for new circuit breakers and safety switches?

2. Is the board safe and up to current standards, especially with safety switches on every circuit?

3. Can your home's power supply handle the total load when everything runs at once?

Signs your switchboard can't cope

You'll likely need an upgrade if you notice any of these:

• Ceramic fuses (the old pull-out fuses with fuse wire) instead of circuit breakers.

• No safety switches, or only one protecting a couple of circuits.

• No spare space on the board: every slot is full.

• Breakers that trip when the oven, kettle and heater are on together.

• A black or brown backing board on an older switchboard. Some older boards contain asbestos, which must be handled safely during any work.

• Scorch marks, buzzing, a warm smell or a hot board. Call an electrician straight away.

What each appliance typically needs

• Induction cooktop: usually needs a dedicated circuit, often larger than an old electric cooktop's. Larger 4–5 zone cooktops draw the most, so check the manufacturer's installation guide.

• Heat pump hot water: needs a dedicated circuit, and can often run on a timer to make the most of solar or off-peak power.

• Reverse-cycle air conditioning: larger units need a dedicated circuit per system, and multi-head systems may need more than one.

• EV charger (7 kW): needs a dedicated circuit and suitable protection. A 22 kW charger needs a 3-phase supply. See our EV charger guide.

These are typical, not guaranteed. The right answer depends on the appliance's specs and your home's wiring.

Your power supply: single-phase vs 3-phase

Most Canberra homes have a single-phase supply. That's fine for most electrified homes, especially with sensible load management (for example, an EV charger that slows down while the oven is on).

Three-phase power suits homes with a lot of heavy loads, larger EV chargers (11–22 kW) or big solar and battery systems. Upgrading to 3-phase involves the network provider as well as your electrician, so it's worth planning early.

What a switchboard upgrade involves

1. Free switchboard check. We look at your board, your wiring and what you plan to add, now and later.

2. Fixed-price quote with clear options, for example "upgrade now for induction and the EV charger" versus "upgrade later".

3. The upgrade. Most standard home upgrades are done in a day. Power is off for part of that time, and we'll tell you when.

4. Testing and paperwork. Every circuit is tested and you get your compliance certificate.

A new board typically includes modern circuit breakers, safety switches protecting every circuit, labelled circuits and spare space for future additions like a battery or second EV charger.

Plan it once, not three times

The most common mistake we see is upgrading in stages without a plan. The induction cooktop goes in one year, the heat pump the next, then the EV charger, with a call-out and a patch-up each time. If you're heading towards an all-electric home, tell your electrician the full plan up front. One well-planned board saves money and hassle.

"Jordan and Cooper installed a new switchboard and wired in a new circuit and power outlet for EV charging… Very professional, tidy and excellent communication always." — Pete S., Google review ★★★★★

Can the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme help?

The scheme offers low-interest loans for eligible products such as electric stove tops, heat pump hot water, electric heating and cooling, batteries and EV charging. The scheme covers installation costs for eligible products, but it doesn't say whether a switchboard upgrade counts, so check with the scheme before you apply. Read our guide to the Sustainable Household Scheme.

Get your switchboard checked

Thinking about induction, a heat pump or an EV charger? Book a free electrification-ready switchboard check. We'll tell you exactly what your board can handle and give you a fixed price before any work starts.

Book a free switchboard check · Call 0433 976 398 · Switchboard upgrades in Canberra