In December, just as Melbourne’s summer heat began to peak, one homeowner made a smart choice to upgrade their cooling system. Their existing split-system air conditioner was no longer keeping up with the demands of a Victorian summer, prompting a move to a high-powered ducted air conditioning system designed to cool the entire home more efficiently and consistently.
On paper, the upgrade was straightforward. The new ducted system promised better performance, improved comfort, and long-term energy efficiency. However, once installation commenced, it became clear that the home’s electrical infrastructure was not equipped to support the newly increased load.
What started as a cooling upgrade quickly evolved into a critical electrical safety issue that required immediate attention. That’s when Approved Electrix was called in to assess the situation and deliver a compliant, future-proof solution.
Read more: Case Study: Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fan Upgrade
The Problem: Undersized Electrical Mains
During the ducted air conditioning installation, our team identified a serious limitation with the home’s electrical supply system. The property was still operating on old electrical mains that were rated at just 32 amps—a capacity that may have been sufficient decades ago when the structure was built but is no longer suitable for modern homes.
The new ducted air conditioning system alone would require a minimum of 32 amps to operate safely. This meant that running the system would consume nearly all of the available power to the home, leaving no capacity for everyday appliances, lighting, or other electrical loads.
Under these conditions, the risk of overloading and electrical faults was extremely high, with nuisance tripping virtually guaranteed during peak usage. Even more importantly, at its current stage, the installation could not be signed off as safe or compliant. Australian electrical standards require sufficient supply capacity to ensure safe operation under normal conditions, and this home simply did not meet those requirements.
Without an upgrade to the electrical mains and switchboard, the new ducted system could not be commissioned. At this point, the project was effectively stalled until an electrical contractor could step in and resolve the issue correctly.
Calling in Approved Electrix: A Stark Diagnosis
Approved Electrix was called in to assess the home’s existing electrical infrastructure and determine the best path forward to installing the new ducted system. After a thorough inspection, it was clear that a partial fix would not be sufficient.
The undersized mains, outdated switchboard, and limited supply capacity all needed to be addressed to ensure both immediate safety and long-term usability. Rather than applying a short-term workaround, we focused instead on designing a complete electrical supply upgrade with new safety switches that would not only support the newly added ducted air conditioning system but also prepare the home for any future electrical demands.
Our Solution: A Full Electrical Supply Upgrade
Our team developed a comprehensive upgrade plan tailored to the property’s current requirements and anticipated future use. The goal was to eliminate all capacity constraints while bringing the home’s electrical system fully up to modern standards.
The existing mains cabling was upgraded to safely support a higher electrical load, removing the bottleneck that would have prevented the ducted system from operating effectively. We also upgraded the point of attachment to ensure a secure and compliant connection to the electricity network.
Inside the home, the switchboard was completely replaced with a modern system featuring up-to-date safety protection features. A new 63-amp main switch was installed, significantly increasing the available supply capacity and ensuring stable power delivery even during periods of high demand. The main fuse and meter enclosure were also upgraded to match the new supply configuration.
Throughout the project, Approved Electrix handled all coordination and compliance paperwork with the electricity supply authority. This included managing approvals, inspections, and final sign-off, ensuring the homeowner didn’t have to deal with any administrative complexity.
From initial assessment to final commissioning, the entire project was managed end-to-end by our team of local electrical experts.
Why This Upgrade Was So Important
This case study highlights a growing issue seen across many Melbourne homes, particularly those built several decades ago. Electrical demands have increased dramatically, yet many properties are still operating on outdated 32-amp supplies that were never designed for today’s technology.
Here are some of the modern conventions that some homes may struggle to adapt to due to an outdated and insufficient electrical supply.
Switching from Gas Water Heating to Electric or Solar Hot Water
As gas appliances are phased out in favour of more energy-efficient alternatives, many homeowners are upgrading to electric or solar-powered hot water systems. These systems place a significant demand on a home’s electrical supply, particularly during peak usage periods in the winter and colder months.
In properties still operating on a 32-amp supply, running an electric hot water system alongside other household appliances can quickly exceed safe limits, increasing the risk of overloads and power interruptions.
Replacing Gas Cooktops with Electric or Induction Cooktops
Electric and induction cooktops have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency, safety, and performance benefits. However, these appliances also require substantially more electrical capacity than traditional gas cooktops.
Without an upgraded mains supply, many homes simply cannot support the power demands of modern cooking appliances, limiting renovation options and appliance choice.
Removing Gas Ducted Heating for Electric Reverse-Cycle Systems
The shift towards all-electric homes has led many homeowners to replace their old gas ducted heating with electric reverse-cycle ducted systems. While these systems offer superior efficiency and year-round climate control, they also place a heavy load on a home’s electrical infrastructure.
Without adequate supply capacity, installing these systems can be non-compliant or worse, unsafe, as seen in this case study.
Installing EV Chargers, Solar Systems, and Battery Storage
Electric car charging stations, solar power systems, and battery storage are fast becoming standard features in many modern homes. But each of these technologies adds considerable demand to a property’s electrical supply.
Homes operating on outdated 32-amp supplies often lack the capacity to safely support these upgrades, making an electrical supply upgrade essential for future readiness.
Without upgrading their old 32A supplies, most homes simply will not be equipped for today’s electrical loads and modern expectations. The upgrade showcased here not only solved the air conditioning issue but also future-proofed the entire home for bigger and better upgrades and improvements.
The Outcome: A Cooler and More Energy-Efficient Home
Once the electrical supply upgrade was completed, the ducted air conditioning system was able to be safely installed and commissioned without issue. The home now operates well within safe electrical limits, even during periods of peak summer demand like the most recent heat waves.
There is no longer any risk of overloading or nuisance tripping, and the homeowner has confidence that their electrical system can support additional upgrades in the future. Importantly, all works were completed before Christmas, ensuring the home remained cool and comfortable throughout the hottest months of the year—a ducted air conditioning system won’t sweat a 40°C day, that’s for sure!
By managing every aspect of the upgrade, including coordination with the supply authority and all compliance requirements, Approved Electrix made the entire process seamless and stress-free for our customer. This project is just one example of how addressing electrical infrastructure properly can unlock the full benefits of modern home upgrades safely, compliantly, and with long-term value in mind.
Are you planning on upgrading your cooling, heating, or appliances? Then don’t let outdated electrical mains hold you back!
Contact us at Approved Electrix for expert advice and a future-proof electrical solution. Get a free quote today!
