17 October 2025
Non Compliant Switchboard Upgrade in Palm Beach, Gold Coast
Is Your Home’s Electrical System a Ticking Time Bomb? A Palm Beach Safety Overhaul
That old fuse box on the side of your house, exposed to the salty Palm Beach air – have you ever wondered if it’s truly safe? For most of us, our home’s electrical system is “out of sight, out of mind.” But for one savvy homeowner, a professional inspection revealed that their outdated switchboard and non-compliant smoke alarms were a silent but significant risk. They called in the Fallon Solutions team for a complete electrical and fire safety overhaul, bringing their property up to the highest modern standards.
The Problem: A Perfect Storm of Electrical and Fire Hazards
The electrical system at this Palm Beach property was a classic example of an outdated setup struggling to keep up with modern demands and safety regulations.
Here’s a breakdown of the key risks our licensed electricians identified:
- An Exposed and Unsafe Switchboard: The main switchboard was not housed in a weatherproof enclosure, leaving it vulnerable to moisture and corrosion—a major concern in a coastal suburb. It also lacked individual safety switches and surge protection.
- No Circuit-Level Protection: A single faulty appliance could cause a widespread power outage or, worse, fail to trip the power in a dangerous situation, dramatically increasing the risk of electric shock or fire. This highlighted the urgent need for a safety switch installation.
- Vulnerability to Power Surges: Without surge protection, every expensive electronic device in the home—from the TV to the fridge and laptops—was at risk of being destroyed during a power surge.
- Non-Compliant Smoke Alarms: The existing smoke alarms did not meet the strict 2022 Queensland legislation, which requires interconnected photoelectric alarms in all bedrooms and hallways. This is a critical failure in a home’s first line of defence against fire.

The Solution: A Complete Switchboard Upgrade in Palm Beach & Safety Overhaul
Our team of certified electricians executed a meticulous upgrade, replacing the old, hazardous components with a state-of-the-art system designed for maximum safety, compliance, and reliability.
Here’s a simple breakdown of our process:
- Installing a Weatherproof Fortress: We began by supplying and installing a new fire- and weatherproof enclosure for the main switchboard. This durable housing protects the sensitive electrical components from the elements, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
- Upgrading to Individual Safety Switches (RCBOs): This is the most critical part of the upgrade. We installed individual RCBOs (a combination safety switch and circuit breaker) on every single circuit in both the main switchboard and the internal sub-board. These smart devices provide comprehensive protection against overloads, short circuits, and earth leakage faults (the most common cause of electric shock).
- Whole-House Surge Protection: We installed a dedicated surge protection device within the switchboard. This acts as a guardian for all the home’s appliances, instantly diverting any dangerous voltage spikes safely into the ground.
- Full Smoke Alarm Installation in Palm Beach: To meet the 2022 legislation, we installed four new RED 10-year battery-powered photoelectric smoke alarms. These were strategically placed in all bedrooms and hallways and, most importantly, were interconnected. This means if one alarm detects smoke, they all sound simultaneously, ensuring the warning is heard throughout the entire house.
- Comprehensive Electrical Testing: After the installation, we conducted a full-system safety test, including checking earth continuity, polarity, and safety switch trip times, to ensure every part of the home’s wiring was safe and compliant.

The Benefits for the Homeowner
This comprehensive upgrade provides the Palm Beach homeowner with profound, long-lasting benefits.
- Dramatically Enhanced Safety: The individual safety switches and compliant smoke alarms provide robust, life-saving protection against both electrical and fire hazards.
- Complete Peace of Mind: Knowing your home’s electrical system is fully tested, certified, and compliant with all Australian and Queensland standards provides invaluable reassurance.
- Protection for Valuables: The whole-house surge protector acts as an insurance policy for thousands of dollars worth of electronic equipment.
- Future-Proofed Property: The new switchboard has the capacity to handle the electrical demands of modern technology and future additions like solar panels or EV chargers.
Why Choose Fallon Solutions?
For over 60 years, Fallon Solutions has been the trusted name for electrical services in Palm Beach and across the Gold Coast. Our reputation is built on a commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and transparency. As your local licensed electrician in Palm Beach, we don’t just replace parts; we provide comprehensive solutions that keep your home and family safe. To learn more about our switchboard services, click here.
Don’t Wait for an Electrical Emergency
An outdated switchboard or non-compliant smoke alarms are silent risks you can’t afford to ignore. If your home’s electrical system is showing its age, it’s time for a professional safety assessment. To ensure the safety of your home call us on 1300 054 488 or enquire here.
If you require a Switchboard Upgrade in Palm Beach or a comprehensive home electrical safety test, contact the expert team at Fallon Solutions today.