Do I Need a Switchboard Upgrade to Install an EV Charger at Home in Brisbane?
As more Brisbane homeowners switch to electric vehicles, installing a home EV charger is becoming as normal as adding solar panels.
But before plugging in, there’s one crucial question to ask, is your switchboard ready for the extra load?
At Precision Electrical & Air, we’ve installed hundreds of EV chargers across Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. In many homes, the switchboard is the first thing that needs an upgrade to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient charging.
Why EV Chargers Need More Than Just a Power Point
An EV charger isn’t like a kettle or a toaster. Even standard home chargers (7kW–22kW) draw a significant amount of current, often 32 to 50 amps and must be installed on their own dedicated circuit.
To meet Australian and Queensland standards, your EV charger circuit must include:
- A dedicated circuit for the charger
- RCD (safety switch) protection as per AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules
- Proper load management to prevent overloads
- Adequate circuit space and amp capacity for the charger and other household loads
Simply plugging into an existing power outlet or older switchboard isn’t just unsafe — it’s non-compliant under Queensland electrical law.
Signs Your Switchboard Isn’t Ready for an EV Charger
If your home is more than 15–20 years old, there’s a good chance your switchboard isn’t designed for modern electrical demand.
Our electricians commonly see:
- Old ceramic fuses or asbestos backing boards
- No safety switches (RCDs)
- Overcrowded or undersized switchboards with no spare circuits
- Frequent breaker tripping or flickering lights when high-load appliances run
- Single-phase supply struggling with air conditioning, solar, and now EV charging
Any of these issues mean your board may need a switchboard upgrade before installing your EV charger.
The Queensland Electrical Standards You Must Meet
In Queensland, all EV charger installations must comply with:
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules (Section 7.3 – Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment)
- Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (Qld) — work must be carried out by a licensed electrician
- Queensland Electrical Safety Office (ESO) requirements for safety switches and load balancing
- Certification through a Certificate of Testing and Safety Compliance after installation
Unlicensed or DIY installations are illegal, void warranties, and can expose homeowners to serious fire and liability risks.
The Switchboard Upgrade Process
When you contact Precision Electrical & Air, here’s what to expect:
- Switchboard and Supply Assessment – We check your switchboard, cabling, and main power supply to determine if they can safely handle EV charging.
- Load Calculations – We calculate total demand across all major appliances to ensure your home can support additional circuits.
- Upgrade Recommendations – If needed, we install a new switchboard with RCDs, circuit protection, and surge protection, leaving room for future expansion.
- Documentation & Compliance – All installations are certified and logged with your electricity distributor.
Most switchboard upgrades are completed within a single day.
What If You Already Have Solar or a Battery System?
That’s great news, but it still matters how your EV charger integrates with them.
Without proper load balancing, your charger could pull more power from the grid than necessary or conflict with your solar inverter.
We design systems that:
- Optimise charging times to use your own solar generation
- Coordinate solar, battery, and EV charging through load management
- Prepare your home for future expansion, such as adding a second vehicle or battery
Do You Need Three-Phase Power for an EV Charger?
Not always, most Brisbane homes can safely run a 7kW charger on single-phase power.
However, upgrading to three-phase becomes worthwhile when:
- You want faster charging speeds (up to 22kW)
- You plan to run two EV chargers or multiple high-demand appliances
- You already have or are adding a large solar system (6.6kW+)
- You’re upgrading your electrical system for long-term capacity and efficiency
Three-phase power delivers smoother voltage, faster charging, and balanced energy use — ideal for future-proofing.
(See our Three-Phase Installation Brisbane page for more details.)
Precision Electrical & Air — Brisbane’s EV Charging Specialists
Our team are licensed Queensland electricians experienced in EV charger installations, switchboard upgrades, and three-phase conversions.
We’ll never recommend unnecessary work, if your existing setup is safe and compliant, we’ll let you know.
We install all leading charger brands including Tesla, Zappi, Wallbox, and Ocular, ensuring your system runs safely and efficiently for years to come.
Key Takeaway
If you’re installing an EV charger at home in Brisbane, your switchboard is where to start.
A quick inspection can determine whether it’s safe, compliant, and capable of handling the added load — or if an upgrade will make your system future-ready.
Visit our EV Charger Installation Brisbane page for details, or contact Precision Electrical & Air for a free assessment.
