Fire and Rescue NSW reports that almost 40% of home fires are due to electrical faults. From faulty wiring to ancient fixtures, electrical fires can be prevented by regular and thorough checks and upgrades.
A meter box upgrade is one such upgrade to keep your property safe from electrical fires and issues. If you live in an older home or it has been a while since you have checked up on your switchboard, now is the right time to do it.
A level 2 electrician performs a meter box upgrade in Sydney. They will inspect your meter box, including cables and enclosures, as these can become worn out after several years. An upgrade will keep your home safe and bring more power from the electrical utility to your home, as older fixtures may not be sufficient to handle your family’s needs.
Let us cover how to upgrade a meter box, including when, its benefits, the steps, and what to expect during the procedure. We will also focus on choosing the best electrician for the job.
Understanding the Need for a Meter Box Upgrade
Every home and office has a meter box, an enclosure box often located on the external wall of the property. The meter box contains various electrical components that distribute electricity in the home.
The meter box is exposed to the elements. Over time, direct sunlight, harsh rain, and wind can ruin the cover, exposing electrical circuits and further damaging the system. When this happens, the meter box and the electrical system become a fire hazard, and the risk of electrocution rises.
Signs Your Meter Box Needs an Upgrade
It’s time to replace your obsolete meter box and electrical panel when you notice the following:
- Frequent tripping of electrical breakers
- Frequent blowing of fuses
- Experiencing tingling sensations whenever you touch an electrical fixture or appliance
- Lights dimming or flickering
- Burning smell coming from an electrical fixture or appliance
- Sparks from an outlet, noticeable discolouration of an outlet
- Absence of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in rooms that are exposed to moisture (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas)
- Noticeable wearing of the meter box panel or cover
Benefits of Upgrading Your Meter Box
Even without signs of meter box wear or issues, you must consider an upgrade if you live in an older home. This update can give you many advantages, including:
- Supports modern electrical appliances—Most modern appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves, and heaters, require a lot of power. An upgraded system can provide electricity to run these appliances.
- It ensures compatibility with new electrical panels. You need to update your meter box to support electrical panels with higher amperage.
- Follows power company regulations – local energy providers may require you to update your meter box and may refuse to provide power to your home if you don’t.
- Avoids overheating lines – obsolete wiring is inefficient and can lead to hot wires and electrocution.
- Enhances power distribution in your home – old boxes could be more effective and may become overloaded. An upgrade ensures efficient power that will handle all your electrical needs.
A meter box upgrade keeps your home, business and family safe. It may also increase the resale value of your property if you decide to sell it.
Steps to Prepare for a Meter Box Upgrade
In some areas, an electrical upgrade for older homes is a requirement. Your electrical company may assign an electrician to upgrade it. If this happens, contact your electrical company and confirm the upgrade details.
A meter box update happens in stages. Here are the steps in preparing for a meter box upgrade
Assess Your Electrical Needs
The scope of a meter box upgrade determines the project’s cost. An electrician will initially assess your energy usage to determine whether your current meter box and electrical system can supply your energy needs.
You can do this by listing down the following:
- Current electrical appliances in your home that consume more energy (microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines or heaters).
- Electrical appliances that you plan to purchase in the future or wish to upgrade to. For example, you may want to retire your old gas oven and replace it with a large electrical oven or add an air conditioning unit.
- Home upgrades that will require more energy include a home renovation or extension.
A Level 2 electrician can help you assess the current system and recommend the appropriate upgrades as your electricity needs change.
Obtain Necessary Permits and Approvals
Sometimes, you must secure your local authority’s required permits and approvals before upgrading the meter box. This ensures the update complies with regulations and is safe and up to code.
Your electrical company can give you a list of permits to complete. A Level 2 electrician can help you secure these permits and all required inspections beforehand. They are highly trained and aware of local compliance checks and permits, so your meter box upgrade can proceed as planned.
Schedule the Upgrade
Communicate with your electrician to ensure a smooth upgrade. Remember these tips:
- Schedule the upgrade at the most convenient time for you and your family to avoid disruption.
- Ensure you or a trusted family member is home during the meter box upgrade.
- Remove anything in the way to ensure free access to your meter box.
- Prepare rechargeable lights and flashlights, as power will be switched off during the upgrade.
- Note your meter box’s current or previous reading. You need this in case of errors when reading the new meter later.
What to Expect During the Meter Box Upgrade
You should expect the following on the day of the meter box replacement:
The Upgrade Process
The electrician will locate your home’s electrical panel and shut it off. They will remove the old meter, inspect the panel, including the wires, and update them as necessary.
Once the home electrical system update is complete, the power will be reconnected. Then, the technicians will test the new meter box and note any repairs. After the upgrade, you may need to sign job or service order forms.
Duration and Possible Disruptions
Replacement and electrical meter box installation may only take a few hours to half a day, so expect power disruptions during this time. Prepare for temporary power outages and minimise inconvenience by
- Informing family members of the scheduled upgrade and repairs.
- Charging mobile phones and laptops beforehand.
- Defrosting your refrigerator and freezer hours before the upgrade.
- Preparing flashlights and candles.
Safety Considerations
Safety should be your priority during a meter box upgrade. Protect your home and family by:
- Keeping children and pets away from electrical panels and systems during the upgrade.
- Making sure emergency lights and flashlights are handy.
- Monitoring weather conditions, such as unpredictable rain and thunderstorms, is a reason to reschedule the meter box upgrade.
- Removing anything that could hinder the electrician from reaching the meter box.
A Level 2 electrician can ensure your meter box upgrade is carried out safely and complies with regulations. They can help you prepare your property and family to ensure minimal disruption in your home life.
How to Choose the Right Level 2 Electrician
Choosing a level 2 electrician is critical in handling meter box replacements. A level 2 electrician in Sydney is trained in handling high-voltage systems and complex electrical installations. Having a highly skilled electrician can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Qualifications and Certifications
A level 2 electrician in NSW requires intensive training and licensing.
- Completed an electrician apprenticeship program
- Obtained an electrician’s licence
- Received additional training accredited by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (covers topics about repairs, installations, and safety protocols)
- Completed Accredited Service Provider Level 2 training to receive accreditation
Thus, choosing a licensed and insured professional, such as a Level 2 electrician, is important to help you update your meter box. They are experienced, well-trained, and ready to work on intensive electrical residential and commercial systems.
Experience and Reputation
You should choose the best-certified electricians in Sydney for a power supply or electrical safety upgrade. These techniques can help you out:
- Check online reviews—visit Google, Angie’s List, or Yelp to see what customers say about the service.
- Prefer high ratings – having high ratings indicates great performance.
- Read clients’ testimonials – verify these by cross-referencing them with reviews from different platforms.
- Ask the technician for references – contact previous clients, especially those with similar projects.
- Check for credentials – ask for the electrician’s operating licence and certifications from local agencies.
- Check insurance coverage – confirm liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
- Ensure professionalism and communication – they must respond promptly to enquiries and provide detailed cost estimates.
- Secure guarantees and warranties – having these gives you the utmost peace of mind.
Requesting Quotes and Comparing Services
Ask for detailed job estimates. An electrician should break down the cost, services and materials for the meter box upgrade. Compare their quote with other providers to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
To summarise, a meter box upgrade keeps your property and family safe. Prepare for an upgrade by ensuring accessibility, completing work permits and choosing a qualified electrician.
Choosing the best level 2 electrician is critical for an upgrade. Call Local Electrician Sydney for a free consultation and quote for your meter box upgrade. Local Electrician Sydney is also ready for emergencies and for safety audits to ensure your property is safe from electrical hazards.