When you’re managing a block of units, the switchboard probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind at committee meetings. But behind the scenes, the switchboard is the heart of the electrical supply to your complex. Your switchboard plays a critical role in keeping every unit powered safely and efficiently – it’s essential that it’s in solid working order.
Many Brisbane complexes or apartment blocks are using outdated switchboards. These often don’t meet today’s Energex or Australian Standards and can become a real liability in light of the rising energy demands of residents.
Upgrading your switchboard is about more than just being compliant. It’s about protecting your body corporate from expensive electrical faults, keeping your residents safe and future-proofing the building.
At Voltora Industries, we recently completed a full switchboard and metering upgrade for a block of units in Brisbane. We want to talk about how we approached the project and how we can apply the same strategies to your building. First, let’s take a look at the reasons why body corporates should be upgrading the switchboards of the properties they manage.
Why Body Corporates Should Upgrade Switchboards
1. Safety and Compliance
Electrical standards evolve and older boards often don’t keep up with them. An old switchboard comes with a lot of risk, and the fact is, it’s endangering the safety of your building and residents. Keep everybody safe from electrical faults with a modern switchboard installed by a professional electrician like Voltora Industries.
2. Meeting Modern Power Demands
Today’s unit blocks are powering more air-cons, EV chargers and appliances than ever before. Old switchboards weren’t designed for this kind of load. Upgrading ensures the system can handle increased capacity without overloading.
3. Reducing Liability
As the legal entity responsible for common infrastructure, the body corporate carries the risk. A modern switchboard reduces the chances of electrical incidents and the legal fallout you have to deal with if something goes wrong.
4. Insurance and Value
Some insurers require evidence of compliance before renewing policies. Plus, a modern switchboard is a selling point for owners and buyers.
Project Snapshot: A Multi-Unit Upgrade in Brisbane
Voltora was engaged to upgrade the main switchboard and meter panel for a block of units, bringing everything in line with current Energex standards.
Scope of works included:
- Replacing the existing switchboard and metering enclosure with two new B&R group meter enclosures.
- Upgrading the main earthing conductor and earth stake.
- Installing a new building main switch, neutral and active links, and sealable meter neutral link.
- Adding individual meter isolation links and new tenancy main switches for each unit.
- Upgrading protection with RCDs to all unit and communal circuits (35 in total).
- Installing a time clock and contactor for communal lighting.
- Testing and commissioning to Australian Standards.
Key Technical Upgrades
Upgraded Earthing and Safety Switches
We installed safety switches (RCDs) to all the circuits and made sure the earthing system was brought up to today’s standards. This is vital in keeping residents of the units safe.
Individual Meter Isolation Links
Each unit now has its own isolation link. This means future maintenance can be done without taking the entire building offline.
Communal Lighting Controls
The time clock and contactor ensure communal lighting operates efficiently and automatically, reducing energy waste and manual intervention.
New Main Switchboard and Enclosures
Modern enclosures are compliant with Energex standards, weather-resistant, and neatly accommodate all metering and switching gear. They look pretty snazzy too.
Before and After Pictures
Let’s take a look at some images from the job site so you can get a visual idea of what the upgrade looks like.
Before:
After:
How Voltora Works with Body Corporates
We know electrical projects in shared buildings can be tricky. That’s why we make the process simple and transparent:
- Site inspection and consultation to assess the existing infrastructure.
- Detailed quoting, outlining every component and stage.
- Coordination with Energex where required.
- Professional installation by licensed tradespeople.
- Testing and certification to ensure compliance.
- Minimal disruption to residents thanks to stringent communication and planning.
The Benefits After the Switchboard Upgrade
What can the body corporate expect from their new switchboard upgrade? Here are a few of the benefits:
- A safer electrical system for all residents.
- Easier future maintenance with unit isolation links.
- Compliance with Energex and Australian Standards.
- Reduced risk of faults, outages, and housefires.
- Infrastructure ready for modern loads like EV charging and air-conditioning.
- Peace of mind for body corporate committees and property managers.
Contact Voltora Industries Today
A switchboard upgrade is often left until something goes wrong. By then, it’s usually urgent and more expensive. It could also have caused damage to people or property.
Proactive switchboard upgrades protect residents, reduce liability and keep everything running smoothly. If you’re part of a body corporate or strata committee, get in touch with Voltora Industries to review your building’s switchboard. Our Brisbane electricians are certified professionals who will make sure your building is safe, compliant and as energy efficient as possible!
Get in touch today and a member of our team will answer any questions you might have!
Lets get started
