Understanding the Electricity Supply Upgrade Process
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of upgrading your electrical supply? Whether you’re planning a renovation, adding new high-power appliances, or simply needing more electricity to meet your growing demands, the process can seem daunting. However, with the right guidance, it doesn't have to be. At Kenner Electrics, we’re here to help you navigate each step of this journey smoothly and efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your electrical supply. From understanding why an upgrade might be necessary to the specifics of the process, we aim to demystify the complexities involved. You'll learn about the timeline, the paperwork, and the various stages of the upgrade, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident about what lies ahead.
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect when you engage Kenner Electrics for your electrical supply upgrade. We’ll share insights on handling potential challenges, managing costs, and ensuring your home meets all current safety standards. Let's dive in and explore how we can make your upgrade experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
What is an Electrical Supply Upgrade?
Before we get into the details, let's clarify what an electrical supply upgrade involves. Essentially, it's about increasing the capacity of electricity that can be safely delivered to your property.
You might need this if you're installing high-power appliances like air conditioners or electric vehicle chargers. It could also be necessary if you're renovating or extending your home, experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips or power fluctuations, or planning to add a pool, spa, or other high-energy amenities.
An upgrade ensures your home can handle increased electrical demands safely and efficiently, preventing overloads and potential hazards.
How Long Does it Take to Upgrade an Electrical Supply?
One of the most common questions we receive is about the timeline for an electrical supply upgrade. It's important to understand that this isn't a quick process – typically, it takes several weeks from start to finish.
Here's why:
- Paperwork and Approvals: Once we submit the paperwork, it needs to be reviewed and approved by your local electricity distributor. Depending on their current workload, this can take 1-2 weeks.
- Coordination: The upgrade involves multiple stakeholders – your local distributor, chosen electricity retailer, and local electrician. Coordinating between these parties takes time and careful management.
- Scheduling: Once approvals are in place, we need to schedule the work. This includes booking truck appointments with your local electricity distributor, which can have wait times of 1-4 weeks depending on their current workload and annual shutdown periods over Christmas.
- Execution: The actual upgrade work usually takes 1-3 days, depending on the complexity of your specific situation.
While the process might seem lengthy, rest assured that our team at Kenner Electrics works diligently to speed it up wherever possible. We understand that being without power, even briefly, can be inconvenient, so we strive to make the process as efficient as possible.
Will My Power Be Disrupted During the Supply Upgrade Process?
Yes, your power will be disrupted during the supply upgrade process, but we take steps to minimise the inconvenience.
During a supply upgrade, your home needs to be disconnected from the grid for a period of time. This disconnection happens during what we call a truck appointment when linespeople from your electricity distributor visit your property to disconnect and later reconnect your power supply safely.
To keep disruptions to a minimum, our electricians complete as much work as possible beforehand. This preparation ensures that when the truck appointment occurs, the actual time your home is without power is as short as possible, typically 2-6 hours. We understand that losing power, even briefly, can be inconvenient, so we strive to complete the upgrade efficiently and with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and work diligently to restore your power quickly and safely. Our goal is to make the upgrade process as seamless as possible, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your upgraded electrical supply with minimal hassle.
What Is Involved In An Electrical Supply Upgrade?
Let's walk through the process step-by-step to give you a clear picture of what to expect when you engage Kenner Electrics to complete a supply upgrade at your Melbourne home:
Initial Assessment and Application
Before the electrical work on your Melbourne home can begin, your electrician must complete a significant amount of paperwork and organisation.
We start with a site visit to thoroughly assess your current electrical setup. This involves checking your supply capacity, evaluating your switchboard, and identifying potential challenges. We calculate the required load capacity for your supply upgrade based on your current and future needs, ensuring we're recommending the right solution for your home. Our electricians will then put together a detailed quotation for the required works and answer any questions you may have in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Once you approve the work, we prepare and submit detailed applications to the relevant authorities using the information gathered during our inspection. We liaise with your local electricity distributor and your chosen electricity retailer to ensure the process is completed as smoothly as possible.
It's important to know that Victoria has different electricity distributors for each region: United Energy, CitiPower/Powercor, AusNet, and Jemena. The application process varies for each distributor, but Kenner Electrics has the experience to handle these differences and get the job done efficiently.
When a local electrician from Kenner Electrics completes a supply upgrade for one of our customers, we take care of all the required paperwork. It's like having a personal assistant for your electrical needs – we handle the boring bits, so you don't have to!
Preparation Work
Once the application is approved, we prepare your property for the upgrade. Since the supply upgrade requires your home to be disconnected from the grid during a truck appointment, our electricians will complete as much work as possible beforehand to minimise disruptions to your power during this period.
To prepare your property for an upgrade to the electricity supply, our electricians will install new, higher-capacity mains cabling between the point of attachment (POA) to your home, your electricity meter and your switchboard.
Other preparatory works for your supply upgrade may include:
Switchboard Upgrades: If your current switchboard can't handle the increased power supply, we'll upgrade it to ensure safety. For example, if your switchboard still uses old fuses, it doesn't meet current electrical standards and will need a switchboard upgrade as part of the supply upgrade process.
Earth Electrode Installation: In some cases, we may need to install or upgrade the earth electrode to ensure proper grounding.
Meter Panel Work: This might involve replacing or relocating an outdated panel to meet current standards. For example, if your meter panel is old or damaged, it will need to be replaced. We may need to relocate it if it doesn't meet current electrical standards for access or protection against rain. Cabling might also require mechanical protection if the incoming mains pass through a pinch point.
POA Upgrades: We ensure that your Point of Attachment (POA) meets height and safety requirements. For instance, the overhead POA must be the correct height to meet current standards and away from openable windows or balconies. The fascia must also be in good enough condition to securely affix the POA, so it can't be rotten or damaged.
Raiser Bracket Installation: Victorian electrical standards require that overhead cables be high enough over driveways, roads, and other areas. We will install a raiser bracket if additional ground clearance is needed, such as over driveways. In Victoria, the maximum height of a raiser bracket is 900mm, which is used to raise the overhead cable connection point on the house. If even this height is insufficient to meet regulations, you'll need an underground supply.
Truck Appointments
Once the application is approved, we coordinate with your local supply authority (e.g., CitiPower, United Energy) to schedule the necessary truck appointments. During a truck appointment, linespeople from the electricity distributor visit your property to disconnect your home from the grid. This allows us to upgrade the cables and related infrastructure and ensures our electricians can perform the supply upgrade safely.
During the reconnection truck appointment, our experienced electricians collaborate with the supply authority's linesman and an independent electrical inspector to safely reconnect your property to the grid.
The fees for truck appointments will be charged directly to you, either by your chosen electricity retailer or via an invoice from the electricity distributor. The cost depends on the complexity of your job, with typical fees ranging from $500 to $700 per appointment. Most supply upgrades require one or two appointments for disconnection and reconnection.
Reconnection and Certification
Once the upgrade is complete and inspected by an independent electrical inspector, we restore your power supply and conduct thorough testing to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
After that, we provide you with a Certificate of Electrical Safety, certifying that your new supply meets all current standards. Finally, we'll guide you through any changes or new features of your electrical system.
Additional Considerations
While the process above covers the basics, there are a few other factors to keep in mind:
Cost
The total cost of an upgrade can vary significantly based on factors such as the job's complexity, the extent of additional work required, and any unique challenges your property presents.
The job's complexity is a primary factor; for instance, if your property requires significant preparatory work like tree pruning or trenching for underground cables, costs can rise. The condition and current standards of your existing electrical infrastructure also play a role; outdated switchboards or meter panels might need replacing. Additionally, unique property challenges, such as difficult access points or the need for specialised equipment, can add to the expense.
The specific requirements set by your local electricity distributor, like United Energy or CitiPower, can also impact the overall cost.
Lastly, labour costs and the fees associated with truck appointments for disconnection and reconnection all contribute to the final price.
Timeline
While we strive to complete upgrades as quickly as possible, factors like approval processes, scheduling with external parties, and unforeseen complications can affect the timeline.
The approval process from local electricity distributors can take additional time, depending on their current workload.
Additionally, unforeseen complications, such as discovering outdated or unsafe infrastructure that needs replacing, can cause delays. And external factors like weather conditions can further affect the overall timeline.
Additional Work
Tree Works
Some properties may need additional work, such as tree pruning, to ensure clear access for overhead cables, which requires a 500mm clearance on all sides.
Special Approvals
Certain situations may need extra consideration or special approvals, such as upgrades in heritage-listed areas or properties with shared or complex supply arrangements requiring common metering, like subdivided blocks. These unique cases may require additional clarification from the supply authority, potentially increasing time and costs.
Crossing Neighbour’s Boundary
If your overhead cable crosses a neighbour’s property, additional regulations must be followed. New home connections cannot cross a neighbour's boundary at all, necessitating an underground connection instead. Alterations to existing connections can cross a neighbour's boundary as long as they improve the previous connection. However, mid-span connections, once used to avoid crossing a neighbour’s boundary, are no longer permitted under any circumstances.
Underground Pit Installations
If you opt for an underground supply upgrade, or if overhead supply isn’t feasible or permitted, an underground pit installation will be necessary if one is not already on your property boundary. Installing an electricity pit might involve trenching, and costs can vary based on factors like cutting through driveways, avoiding gas and water lines, and dealing with rocks.
While Kenner Electrics is involved in your pit installation application, your electricity distributor does all the installation work for all underground pit installations. All fees associated with the pit installation are handled separately and typically invoiced to you directly from your electricity distributor. Pit installation costs vary significantly, from $4000 to $10,000, depending on the existing local infrastructure and which electricity distributor region you live in.
Do I Need a Permit to Upgrade My Electrical Supply?
Good news – you don't need to worry about obtaining permits. However, there is significant paperwork involved in the process. Here's how we handle it:
Our team at Kenner Electrics prepares all necessary application forms, including detailed information about your property, the proposed upgrade, and specific requirements. We also communicate directly with your local electricity distributor (such as CitiPower or United Energy) and your chosen electricity retailer, submitting applications, responding to queries, and ensuring all parties are aligned on the upgrade plans.
We actively follow up on submitted applications to ensure they're processed in a timely manner. If any issues arise, we address them promptly to avoid delays. Before any work begins, we double-check that all necessary approvals are in place, ensuring a smooth and compliant upgrade process.
Taking care of the bureaucratic side allows you to focus on preparing for your upgraded electrical supply without the stress of navigating complex paperwork and regulations. It's like having a skilled navigator on a road trip – we'll handle the maps and directions while you enjoy the journey!
Why Choose Kenner Electrics for Your Supply Upgrade?
At Kenner Electrics, we pride ourselves on managing the entire supply upgrade process for you. Here's why our clients trust us with their electrical supply upgrades:
Expertise: Our team has extensive experience handling supply upgrades across Melbourne, dealing with various distributors, and handling unique property situations.
End-to-End Management: We coordinate between all involved parties, from distributors to inspectors, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.
Clear Communication: We keep you informed at every stage of the process and explain complex technical aspects in easy-to-understand terms.
Quality Assurance: We use only high-quality materials and adhere to the strictest safety standards in all our work.
Customised Solutions: We understand that every property is unique and tailor our approach to meet your needs and circumstances.
After-Service Support: Our relationship doesn't end with the upgrade. We're always available to answer questions or address concerns after completing the work.
Ensuring a Smooth and Safe Electrical Supply Upgrade
Upgrading your electrical supply is a significant undertaking, but with the right team, it doesn't have to be stressful. At Kenner Electrics, we're committed to making the process as smooth and efficient as possible. We understand the importance of a reliable, safe, and sufficient electrical supply for your home or business.
If you're considering an upgrade or have any questions about the process, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Kenner Electrics. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assess your needs, guide you through the process, and ensure your electrical system is ready to meet your current and future demands.
Remember, a well-executed electrical supply upgrade not only improves the functionality of your property but also enhances its safety and value. Contact Kenner Electrics today to get started on your upgrade.
