Mains Power

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We specialise in residential electrical services.

We want to work with you to find the right fit for your electrical needs, big or small. Whether you want that new downlight installed, or you want to rewire your whole house, we're here to make that happen.

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What is Mains Power?

Consumer Mains

The consumer mains cable is a cable that runs from the point of attachment to the electricity meter to your switchboard. All the power in your house runs through this cable before being distributed across your power and lighting circuits. Your ‘supply’ (or the amount of power your house has access to) is limited to the capacity of this cable.

Point of Attachment (POA)

The POA is where the electricity cables from the street connect to your home. If you have overhead cables, the POA is usually on the front face of your house, at the edge of your roof line.

Anything street-side of this point is owned and maintained by the Electricity Distributor, while anything from the POA inwards (aside from the electricity meter) is the homeowner’s responsibility. All the electricity in your house runs through this single point, so any failure at the POA could lead to lengthy periods without power.

Meter Panel/Box

A meter box is where your electricity meter is housed. It is usually either a timber/metal box and may also have your switchboard in it as well. A meter panel is a small timber/metal panel located on some older houses which have the electricity meter exposed near the front door. The meter box/panel and switchboard is the responsibility of the home owner/body corporate, but the electricity meter is owned by the electricity distributor.

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Why Upgrade Your Mains Power?

Improve safety and reliability of supply
If you want to install more electrical appliances in your home, such as an induction cooktop or air-conditioning, you may need to upgrade the capacity of your consumer mains cable.
Get rid of unsightly overhead cables – upgrade to an underground connection
If you have a defect notice from your Electricity Distributor (or you want to avoid getting one!)

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If you need more capacity or have an issue with your current mains power, Kenner Electrics is here to help. Get in touch with our office and one of our friendly team members will be able to walk you through the upgrade process.

Linesman working on a mains power upgrade with a Kenner Electrics vehicle in the foreground

Common Problems with Mains Power

Rotting timber fascia - the point of attachment could detach or fall down resulting in disruption to power supply
Obstruction/danger of damage to the overhead cable - could be caused by overgrown trees, low hanging cables over a driveway or across a neighbour’s property
Old style point of attachment - existing wiring throughout the home may also be old or deteriorated
Arcing in the fuse holder caused by a deteriorated connection - constant fire risk, will eventually cause a complete power outage and costly repairs
Rodent access over the cables - installing possum guards can help prevent entry into the roof space
Consumer mains are too small – Older homes tend to have 6mm consumer mains cable which is limited to 40A. New homes now tend to have a minimum of 16mm cable with a 63A single phase supply or up to 63A three phase supply for even greater capacity. Undersized consumer mains means you don’t have enough capacity for all your circuits, which can cause an overload and power outage.
Inadequate overload protection – If you have an undersized consumer mains cable without over-current circuit breakers, the cables may draw more power than they are rated to handle, which creates a fire risk.
Cotton or rubber insulation – this old style of insulation is non-compliant and dangerous because it deteriorates and crumbles away, leaving exposed live cabling. This is an electric shock risk and a fire risk‍
Non-weatherproof meter panels located in an area exposed to the weather – electricity meters are not waterproof so need protection from the weather‍
Old wooden meter panel – non-compliant due to fire risk and termite damage. Found in some older homes and can be rotten if exposed to the weather‍
Not accessible for Electricity Distributor – meters must be accessible to be checked (even smart meters) and cannot be behind a locked gate unless it has an approved electrical industry lock installed‍
Too close to a gas meter – safety regulations state that electricity meters cannot be too close to a gas meter, because gas meters vent gas when pressure builds up which creates a fire risk

Non-weatherproof tarp being used as a meter box cover

The service was incredible. It was not just the workmanship but the after service support and follow up that made the real difference. Thanks to the team from the bottom of my heart for making all our electrical problems go away and so efficiently as well.

Irwin

Mount Waverley

Great customer service throughout - from the time of booking to job completion. Punctual, courteous and professional... went above and beyond to help and provided useful advice. Truly outstanding service and attitude.

Kathy

Box Hill South

Had an issue with our smoke detectors and the heat lights in the bathroom. After chatting online with their customer service, an electrician was sent out to our home within a couple of hours and fix has been wonderful so far. They were also great with other inquiries for other installations. Would not hesitate to call on Kenner Electrics again.

Josh

Forest Hill

Have used Kenner Electrics 3 times in recent months. Very happy with their quick, reliable and friendly service. Will definitely use them again. In fact I now refer to them as "our electricians".

Robert

Balwyn

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