Lockhart's older buildings
Lockhart had 1,019 people at the 2021 Census and is in Lockhart Shire, which had 3,319 people. It is wheat and wool country, and the town is known for its heritage verandah streetscape. Older buildings are part of its charm, and they are also where old wiring and old switchboards turn up.
Travel to Lockhart
Lockhart is about 65 km from Gissing Oval by road. Travel is free close to Wagga and charged further out, and Lockhart is far enough out that a travel charge applies once per visit. The switchboard estimate works it out from your address, and it's always shown in your written quote. If you have more than one job, grouping them into one visit makes the trip better value.
Old wiring: what to look for
The NSW Government recommends having an electrician check any property built before 2000, and flags wiring from before the 1980s as a particular risk. It also says electrical faults and appliances cause 40% of NSW house fires each year.
Signs it is time to get your wiring or board checked:
- ceramic rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers;
- no safety switches;
- a black, tar-like backing board behind the switches;
- scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell;
- fuses that blow or breakers that trip often.
Our guide to old house wiring explains what Nelson checks. Where cabling has broken down, a partial or full rewire may be the fix.
Switchboards and asbestos
Bituminous backing boards were made before 1987 and may contain asbestos. They are usually black or dark brown, rough or fibrous, and may smell like tar. Brand names stamped on the back include Lebah, Zelemite, Miscolite and Ausbestos. A missing warning sticker does not mean a board is asbestos-free.
The NSW asbestos site advises using a licensed asbestos assessor and removalist. Nelson doesn't do asbestos removal, but he can advise and work around a licensed removalist when the board is replaced. See asbestos switchboards in NSW.
A new switchboard brings RCD protection to every applicable circuit. Price depends on how many circuits you have, so use the switchboard estimate for a range, then Nelson confirms it in writing. See switchboard upgrades.
Galore and nearby
Galore is about 56 km from Wagga by road. Travel there is charged the same way, worked out from the address. The Rock and Yerong Creek are also in Lockhart Shire.
Network
Essential Energy runs the network. Call 13 20 80 for outages, fallen lines or a tingle, and 000 in an emergency.
Common questions
Is there a travel charge to Lockhart?
Yes. Travel is free close to Wagga and charged further out, and Lockhart is about 65 km away. The switchboard estimate includes travel worked out from your address, or call Nelson or send the job through for a written quote.
My Lockhart house has an old black switchboard. Is it asbestos?
It might be. Black bituminous boards made before 1987 may contain asbestos, so leave it alone. A licensed asbestos assessor can confirm it, and a licensed removalist handles removal.
Does an old house need a full rewire?
Not always. Sometimes the cabling is sound and only the switchboard needs replacing. Nelson tests the circuits first and tells you what needs doing and what can wait.
How do I book?
Call Nelson on 0416 085 416 or send photos of your switchboard through the quote form.