General guidance, not an inspection or diagnosis. Repair advice has not been independently reviewed by a tradesperson. About this checker and safety sources.
What to do now
Do not remove covers or touch internal switchboard components. Heat, smoke, arcing or a burning smell warrants urgent help.
Common causes
- Ageing fuse / breaker equipment
- Loose connection or overheating
- Insufficient safety-switch protection
- Circuit fault elsewhere in the property
The exact cause cannot be confirmed from a symptom alone. The first professional should inspect before repair work is authorised.
What usually happens next
- Inspect board condition
- Test safety switches and circuits
- Quote repair or upgrade
- Issue required electrical documentation
What should I ask about the price?
Ask for an itemised quote covering the inspection or call-out fee, labour, materials, GST, access, disposal and any after-hours charge. Ask what happens if extra damage is found. A reliable price needs details of the actual job; this guide does not provide an estimate.
Who may be responsible?
Owner / landlord
Switchboard maintenance and upgrades normally sit with the property owner.
Tenancy, strata, insurance and boundary responsibilities vary by circumstance and state, so confirm responsibility before non-emergency work where practical.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you appropriately licensed or registered for this work in my state?
- Does the quote include call-out, labour, parts/materials, GST and disposal?
- What is excluded from the quoted scope?
- If you find additional damage, will you get approval before doing extra work?
- What workmanship or product warranty applies?
Run this problem through the checker, then contact a suitable professional of your choice.
Run switchboard problem triage →