Do I Need a Switchboard Upgrade to Install an EV Charger at Home?

Yes,in many Melbourne homes, installing an EV charger requires a switchboard upgrade. Older switchboards often lack the load capacity, RCD protection, or circuit space needed for a safe and compliant charger installation. A licensed electrician can inspect and upgrade your board to ensure safe EV charging at home.

As electric vehicle adoption rises across Melbourne, more homeowners are opting to install EV chargers in their garages or driveways. But what most people don’t realise is that your home’s electrical system needs to be ready—and that starts with your switchboard.

At Direct Point Electrical, we’ve installed dozens of EV chargers across Berwick, Narre Warren,and Cranbourne in Melbourne’s outer east. And in almost every case, the switchboard is the first thing we assess.

Why EV Chargers Need More Than Just a Power Point

EV chargers aren’t like your toaster or washing machine. Most residential units, especially 7kW and 22kW models, demand:

• A dedicated circuit
• RCD protection (as required under AS/NZS 3000)
• Sufficient amp capacity (commonly 32–50A)
• Proper load balancing to avoid overloading other circuits

That means plugging one into an old fuse box or overloaded switchboard isn’t just a bad idea—it’s unsafe and non-compliant. Read more about EV chargers at home

Signs Your Switchboard Needs an Upgrade

If your home is more than 20 years old, there’s a high chance your switchboard isn’t EV-ready. Here’s what we look for:

• Old ceramic fuses or asbestos backing
• No RCD or safety switch protection
• Limited circuit space (no room for a new dedicated circuit)
• Burn marks, buzzing or tripping when appliances are used
• No 3-phase supply when a faster 22kW charger is planned

Any of the above are red flags for both safety and EV compatibility.

Note: The Electric Vehicle Council recommends installing a dedicated circuit for your vehicle. This can help prevent overloading existing circuits in the home. If installing a dedicated circuit, it is worth considering a 15amp outlet and charger, instead of a standard 10amp circuit. This will increase your charging rate by 50% and decrease charging time by a third.

The Switchboard Upgrade Process (What to Expect)

At Direct Point Electrical, we make upgrades simple and stress-free:

1. Site Assessment – We inspect your current switchboard, wiring, and main supply.
2. Load Calculation – We determine if your home can handle the additional EV load.
3. Upgrade Planning – If needed, we quote for a new compliant switchboard with RCDs, surge protection, and space for the charger.
4. Documentation & Compliance – We lodge paperwork with your distributor (AusNet or United Energy) and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

Depending on the condition and configuration, most upgrades are completed within a single day.

Victorian Electrical Compliance: What You Should Know

All electrical work in Victoria must follow the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules, and EV chargers fall under this standard. A licensed electrician must:

• Provide RCD protection for the circuit
• Ensure the charger load doesn’t exceed main switch capacity
• Lodge forms with your energy distributor when required
• Issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety upon completion

DIY or unlicensed installations are not only illegal—they void warranties and can lead to serious fire risks or insurance claim denials.

What If You Already Have Solar or Batteries?

That’s great, but you’ll still need to assess how the EV charger interacts with your existing system. Load balancing between solar, batteries, and EV charging requires careful planning.

We’ll work with you to:

• Map out charging times to use solar energy
• Ensure your inverter and battery can support the draw
• Recommend charger models with smart load management

Is 3-Phase Power Necessary?

Not always. A 7kW charger works well on single-phase power for most drivers. But if:

• You want faster charging
• You have two EVs
• Or you’re running high-load appliances

…then a 3-phase upgrade might be worth exploring. We can advise on this during your inspection.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to install an EV charger at home, your switchboard is the first place to start. At Direct Point Electrical, we provide free site inspections, transparent quotes, and a clear pathway to safe, fast, and future-proof EV charging at home.

Whether you’re in Berwick, Narre Warren or anywhere in Melbourne’s outer east—we’ve got your EV charging solution covered.

EV Charger Installations