Power cable starvation – need an upgrade?

Electrical wiring is installed when the house is built, however what happens to those wires 20 years later. Well recently I had a new air conditioner installed and not only did I have to pay for the installation of the air conditioner but also for the mains cable  from the street to the house  and a switchboard upgrade. Why? Well the old mains wires were in good condition but they were just not large enough to handle the extra electrical current of the new air conditioning system. Plus all houses should have a safety switch installed and it is best practice to remove all the old electrical fuses (wired type) and put in fuse switches.

Reasons to upgrade your electric mains cabling

• The old electrical wires or cable is too small for the new current.
• You are planning a new extension adding more power points.
• Air conditioning or large current appliances to be installed.
• Your electric switchboard is old and unsafe.
• You are going to have a grid connected solar system installed (they use the new two way meters or smart meters).

If you are planning an extension then you may need to upgrade your switchboard and mains electrical wires from the street to your switchboard. Older houses have 6mm to 10mm mains cable from the street, however the new mains cables start from 16mm and up, in diameter, to handle the extra electrical current load. 

Cost of the mains cable and switchboard upgrade

• This does depend of the distance from the street over head wires to your electrical box.
• If you are on a normal house block expect to pay $1500 to $2000.
• Remember you must pay this – not the council or the electric company.

So remember to cost this electric cable upgrade into your renovation, air conditioner installation, and switchboard safety upgrade. While we may think this is a total bummer ( and it is), when all you want is a air conditioner, the reason is based in safety. Also just like all parts of our homes, as time gos’ by we need to upgrade and replace to maintain a safe home in good working order. Also if you are renovating for profit this cost must be factored in as a possibility in your budget.
Remember that this only applies to older houses and your electrician or air conditioning trades person will be able to tell you if you need an upgrade.

Tagged as: electrical