Electrical upgrade works
1 September 2025
In FY26 the Committee is accelerating a comprehensive upgrade of Freemans Park’s ageing electrical infrastructure, to reduce health and safety risks.
Works include replacing all main fuses, completing earthing across all buildings, and installing new building switchboards where needed.
Sub-main cabling from building switchboards to unit powerboards will be replaced at the start of FY27.
The programme will be funded by the Body Corporate without raising extra levies, using savings secured through careful financial management.
When new cabling is connected, unit powerboards must meet current safety standards (including RCD protection); any required powerboard upgrade is the owner’s responsibility. Discounted upgrade rates have been negotiated.
In recent years, the Committee has embarked on a works programme to comprehensively upgrade the electrical infrastructure at Freemans Park. These works have been done to reduce the health and safety risks associated with ageing electrical infrastructure.
Originally this electrical infrastructure works programme was planned to continue gradually, but it has become clear that the old infrastructure poses too much risk to leave in place.
The Committee has therefore agreed in principle to accelerate the electrical works programme in the 2026 financial year.
As a result:
all buildings’ main fuses will be replaced
earthing works will be completed for all buildings, where that has yet to occur
new switchboards will be installed in all buildings yet to get them.
Additional electrical works to replace all sub-main cables from the new mains switchboards to unit powerboards will also be completed, however that will take place at the start of the 2027 financial year.
Because previous Committees have managed our finances carefully, we can fund this work now without needing to raise extra levies. The bulk buying power of the Body Corporate will also deliver savings to undertake this works programme, which will be funded by the Body Corporate.
Update: 1 November 2025
Owners should note that when the sub-main cabling connects power from the new building switchboard to their unit, each unit’s powerboard will need to meet current electrical safety standards – specifically, all boards must have residual current devices for every lighting and power sub-circuit. If a unit switchboard needs upgrading, this will be the responsibility of the owner.
To assist owners with information about whether or not they need to upgrade their powerboards, a photo of each unit’s powerboard is being taken during the current hot water system inspections. If the Body Corporate doesn’t have a photo of your powerboard, we will approach unit residents to permit us to take a photo. Our electricians will then assess each image, and help the Body Corporate to advise owners whether they need a minor/partial/full powerboard upgrade, and the likely cost to do this essential work.
On behalf of the owners, the Committee has negotiated price discounts with our electricians, Rankin McManus Electrical, to upgrade the powerboards. Any owner who requires a full upgrade of their powerboard and who is unable to pay immediately, may, with Body Corporate agreement, spread payments over a 6-month term, at 10% interest.
The Body Corporate will coordinate the powerboard upgrades.