HOT WATER ELECTRICAL CONVERSION ADD-ON
Circuit Extension or Conversion – Up to 2m with RCBO & Isolator or GPO
This electrical add-on covers a short extension or conversion of an existing suitable electrical supply for a replacement hot water system where the new appliance uses a different electrical connection or needs the existing supply moved a short distance.
The standard package includes up to 2 metres of cabling, a new RCBO where required as part of the package, and either a weatherproof isolator or suitable GPO depending on the connection required by the new hot water system.
It can be useful when changing hot water technology, such as moving from a hardwired electric storage system to a plug-in heat pump, or when the existing electrical connection needs a short extension to reach the new appliance position.
Additional installed cabling beyond the included 2 metres is charged at $30 per metre.
Package at a glance: up to 2m circuit extension or conversion, change of connection type where required, RCBO allowance and either a local isolator or GPO to suit the appliance. The existing electrical supply must first be confirmed as suitable by the licensed electrician.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What Is Included in the Circuit Extension or Conversion?
Up to 2m
Cabling Included
RCBO
Protection Allowance
GPO or Isolator
Connection to Suit
$30/m
Additional Cabling
Short Circuit Extension
Extension of an existing suitable electrical supply by up to two metres where the new hot water unit is positioned close to the previous connection.
Connection-Type Conversion
Conversion of the existing connection where required, such as changing from a suitable hardwired arrangement to a power point for a factory plug-and-lead appliance.
RCBO
A new RCBO is included as part of the package where required for the final electrical arrangement, subject to the existing switchboard and circuit being suitable.
GPO or Isolator
A suitable power point or local isolator is fitted according to the electrical connection specified by the new hot water appliance.
WHEN TO CHOOSE THIS OPTION
When Is a Circuit Extension or Conversion Suitable?
This package is intended for relatively small electrical changes where a suitable existing hot water electrical supply is already available.
Common examples include:
- Changing from electric storage to a plug-in heat pump
- Changing from a hardwired appliance to a 3-pin plug connection
- Changing from a plug connection to a hardwired arrangement where suitable
- Moving the electrical connection a short distance
- Adding a local isolator where the new appliance requires one
- Adding a suitable GPO for a factory plug-and-lead appliance
- Updating circuit protection as part of the conversion
- Connecting a replacement appliance with different electrical requirements
2 METRE ALLOWANCE
How Much Electrical Cabling Is Included?
The standard package includes up to 2 metres of installed cabling for the circuit extension or conversion.
This allowance is intended for short-distance changes around an existing hot water electrical location rather than running a completely new circuit over a long distance.
The installed length follows the compliant cable route required by the electrician and is not necessarily the straight-line distance between the old connection and the new appliance.
Where more than two metres is required, additional installed cabling is charged at $30 per metre.
The additional-cable rate applies after the included 2 metres. If the required electrical route is substantially longer, another circuit-installation package may be more appropriate.
CONNECTION TYPE
Can the Electrical Connection Be Changed From Hardwired to Plug-In?
Yes, where the new hot water appliance is designed by its manufacturer for a plug-and-lead connection and the existing electrical installation is suitable for conversion.
A common example is replacing a hardwired electric storage water heater with a heat pump supplied with a factory-fitted Australian plug.
In that situation, the electrician can assess whether the existing electrical supply can be converted to an appropriate GPO arrangement.
A plug-and-lead appliance should not be converted to hardwired operation, or vice versa, unless the manufacturer's electrical requirements permit it. The appliance specification determines the correct final connection type.
GPO OPTION
When Is a GPO Installed?
A GPO may be installed where the selected hot water system is supplied with a factory plug and requires connection to a suitable power outlet.
The electrician confirms:
- Required outlet rating
- Appliance plug type
- Manufacturer connection requirements
- Existing circuit suitability
- Outlet position
- Weather exposure
- Existing circuit protection
- Safe access for future disconnection
For an external hot water installation, the selected power point must be appropriate for the installation environment.
ISOLATOR OPTION
When Is a Weatherproof Isolator Installed?
A local isolator may be installed where the new hot water system uses a hardwired electrical connection and the final installation requires local isolation near the appliance.
The isolator allows the water heater to be electrically disconnected from its supply for servicing and maintenance.
The electrician selects the final isolator position and type based on the appliance, environment and applicable electrical requirements.
RCBO PROTECTION
What Is the RCBO For?
An RCBO combines residual-current protection with overcurrent protection.
This package includes an RCBO as part of the proposed electrical conversion, but the final protective-device specification must be confirmed against the existing circuit, cable and connected appliance.
The advertised package does not override the electrical requirements of the hot water system or the existing installation.
The electrician makes the final protection decision. Circuit rating, cable size, appliance load and switchboard configuration must all be compatible.
EXISTING CIRCUIT
What Condition Must the Existing Electrical Supply Be In?
This package assumes there is an existing electrical supply associated with the hot water installation that is suitable for extension or conversion.
Before proceeding, the electrician may need to check:
- Existing cable size
- Existing circuit rating
- Condition of the wiring
- Existing circuit load
- Earthing arrangements
- Existing protective devices
- Switchboard condition
- Available switchboard space
- New appliance load
- Manufacturer connection requirements
If the existing supply is unsuitable, additional electrical work or a completely new circuit may be required.
HEAT PUMP CONVERSIONS
Is This Useful When Changing From Electric Storage to a Heat Pump?
It can be, particularly where the existing electric storage system already has a suitable electrical supply close to the proposed heat pump location.
For example, an old storage water heater may have been hardwired while the replacement heat pump is supplied with a factory-fitted 10A plug. A short conversion may allow the existing suitable supply to be reconfigured to the connection required by the heat pump.
However, some heat pumps require a dedicated hardwired supply, a larger circuit or another manufacturer-specific arrangement.
Do not choose this package based only on the words “heat pump”. Check the exact model's electrical specifications first.
ELECTRIC STORAGE CONVERSIONS
Can It Be Used for a Replacement Electric Storage System?
Yes, where an existing suitable electrical supply only needs a short extension, connection alteration or updated isolation arrangement for the replacement electric storage unit.
If the new water heater has a substantially different electrical load or requires a different circuit rating, the existing supply may not be suitable for simple conversion.
A new circuit package may then be required instead.
WHEN THIS PACKAGE IS NOT ENOUGH
When Is a New Circuit Required Instead?
A circuit extension or conversion cannot compensate for an unsuitable existing electrical supply.
A new circuit may be required where:
- No suitable hot water circuit exists
- The existing cable is undersized
- The existing circuit is damaged
- The new appliance load exceeds the existing circuit capacity
- The existing circuit supplies unsuitable additional loads
- The manufacturer requires a different dedicated supply
- The new appliance position is substantially further away
- The required conversion falls outside the existing circuit's capabilities
SWITCHBOARD REQUIREMENTS
What If Additional Switchboard Work Is Needed?
The standard package assumes the required RCBO and associated conversion work can be completed without major switchboard modification.
If the switchboard is full, damaged, unsuitable or requires a substantial upgrade before the new connection can be installed, additional electrical work will apply.
Major switchboard replacement or upgrade is not automatically included in this circuit-conversion package.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
What Is Outside the Standard Circuit Extension or Conversion?
Major Circuit Work
- Completely new long circuit runs
- Major rewiring
- Different high-load circuit packages
- Three-phase work unless separately specified
- Specialist control systems
Switchboard Upgrades
- Switchboard replacement
- Major switchboard modifications
- New sub-board
- Repairs to unrelated switchboard faults
- Major supply upgrades
Additional Cable & Access
- Cabling beyond the included 2m
- Major ceiling-access work
- Extensive wall access
- Concrete cutting
- Excavation or trenching
Pre-Existing Faults
- Damaged existing wiring
- Unrelated electrical faults
- Unsafe existing connections
- Repairs outside the conversion scope
- Other non-compliant electrical work
LICENSED ELECTRICAL WORK
Who Can Complete the Electrical Conversion?
Changing fixed wiring, installing an RCBO, adding a GPO or isolator and altering a hot water electrical connection are electrical installation work.
The work must be performed under the appropriate Queensland electrical licensing arrangements.
The electrician is responsible for confirming the affected electrical installation is suitable for the new appliance and for testing the completed work before it is placed into service.
This is not DIY work. Fixed wiring, switchboard work, power-point installation and hardwired electrical connections must be handled by appropriately licensed electrical trades.
TESTING & COMPLIANCE
Is the Electrical Work Tested?
Yes. The affected electrical installation is tested after the circuit extension or conversion is completed.
The electrical contractor provides the applicable certificate of testing and compliance for the electrical installation work completed.
This documents the affected electrical work and confirms it has been tested before being placed into service.
SHORT-DISTANCE HOT WATER ELECTRICAL CONVERSION
Why Choose the 2m Circuit Conversion Package?
This package is designed to bridge the gap between a straightforward like-for-like electrical connection and the installation of an entirely new circuit.
It allows a suitable existing hot water electrical supply to be extended a short distance, updated with RCBO protection and converted to the connection type required by the replacement appliance.
For installations such as a nearby electric-to-heat-pump conversion, it can provide the required electrical change without automatically moving to a longer new-circuit package.
ELECTRICAL SCHEDULING
When Will the Additional Electrical Work Be Completed?
Where this electrical add-on is purchased with a standard like-for-like hot water system installation, the electrical work may be scheduled separately from the plumbing appointment.
Confirmed Within 48 Hours
Installed Today's service terms provide for a confirmed electrical installation time from the electrician within 48 hours of the order being processed.
Within 5 Business Days
The additional electrical work is scheduled for completion within 5 business days of order processing.
Electrical Work Only
These scheduling terms apply to the additional electrical work and are separate from the standard plumbing installation appointment.
HOT WATER OPERATION
Will the Hot Water System Work While the Electrical Upgrade Is Pending?
That depends on the replacement appliance and the existing electrical arrangement.
If the new water heater can safely operate using an existing compliant supply while the additional electrical work is pending, the plumbing installation may be able to proceed independently.
If the circuit conversion, GPO, isolator or other electrical change is required before the new appliance can operate, the water heater cannot be placed into normal service until that work is completed.
Hot water operation cannot be guaranteed while required electrical work is pending. The new appliance can only be energised once its electrical connection is suitable and compliant.
BEFORE ORDERING
What Should You Check Before Selecting This Package?
- Is there an existing hot water electrical supply?
- Is the new appliance located within approximately 2m of the existing connection?
- Are you changing from hardwired to plug-in?
- Are you changing from plug-in to hardwired?
- What electrical connection does the new appliance manufacturer specify?
- What circuit rating does the new appliance require?
- Does the existing circuit appear suitable?
- Is the switchboard accessible?
- Is a local isolator required?
- Is an external weatherproof GPO required?
- Could the job actually require a new dedicated circuit?
COMPARE ELECTRICAL OPTIONS
Which Hot Water Electrical Add-On Should You Choose?
| Site Requirement |
Typical Electrical Pathway |
| New 10A outlet required with a longer cable run |
New 10A power point package |
| Existing suitable supply needs extension or connection conversion within 2m |
Circuit Extension / Conversion – Up to 2m |
| Existing suitable circuit needs a longer extension plus timer and isolator |
Circuit Extension with Timer, RCBO & Isolator |
| New dedicated 20A circuit required |
New 20A Circuit Installation package |
| Different appliance-specific electrical requirement |
Electrical scope matched to the exact appliance specification |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About the Circuit Extension or Conversion
What Is Included?
The package includes up to 2 metres of circuit extension or conversion cabling, an RCBO allowance and either an appropriate isolator or GPO to suit the new appliance connection.
How Much Cable Is Included?
Up to 2 metres of installed cabling is included.
How Much Is Extra Cabling?
Additional installed cabling beyond the included 2 metres is charged at $30 per metre.
Is the Extra-Cable Rate After 2m or 5m?
This package includes 2 metres, so the additional-cabling rate applies beyond 2 metres.
Can It Convert Hardwired Power to a GPO?
Yes, where the new appliance is designed for a plug-and-lead connection and the existing circuit is suitable for conversion.
Can It Convert a GPO Supply to Hardwired?
Potentially, where the new appliance manufacturer requires hardwiring and the existing electrical supply is suitable for that arrangement.
Does It Include a Weatherproof GPO?
The package allows for a suitable GPO or local isolator depending on the appliance's required connection type and installation location.
Does It Include an RCBO?
Yes, an RCBO is included as part of the package where required by the final electrical arrangement. The electrician confirms the appropriate protection.
Is This a Completely New Circuit?
No. This package assumes an existing suitable electrical supply is available for extension or conversion.
What If There Is No Suitable Existing Circuit?
A new circuit package will be required instead.
Is This Suitable When Changing From Electric Storage to a Heat Pump?
It can be where the existing electrical supply is suitable and the heat pump is close enough for the short conversion scope.
Do All Heat Pumps Use a 10A GPO?
No. Some are plug-in, while others require hardwired dedicated supplies. Use the exact model specification.
Can This Be Used for an Electric Storage Replacement?
Yes, where the existing supply only needs a short extension or connection change and remains suitable for the replacement unit.
What If the New Hot Water System Needs a Larger Circuit?
This package is not sufficient where a new or higher-rated dedicated circuit is required.
Does It Include Major Switchboard Work?
No. Major switchboard alterations or upgrades are outside the standard scope.
What If Existing Wiring Is Damaged?
Repair or replacement of pre-existing defective wiring is additional work.
Who Performs the Conversion?
The electrical installation work must be completed under the appropriate electrical licensing arrangements.
Is the Work Tested?
Yes. The affected installation is tested after the electrical work is completed.
Will I Receive Compliance Documentation?
The electrical contractor provides the applicable certificate of testing and compliance for the electrical installation work completed.
When Is the Electrical Appointment Confirmed?
Installed Today's service terms provide for a confirmed appointment within 48 hours of order processing.
When Is the Work Completed?
The additional electrical work is scheduled for completion within 5 business days of the order being processed.
Is It Always Done at the Same Time as the Plumbing Installation?
No. The electrical appointment can be separate from the standard hot water plumbing installation.
Will My New Hot Water System Work Before the Electrical Conversion?
Only if it already has a safe, suitable and compliant electrical supply. If the conversion is required for the new appliance to operate, normal operation must wait until the electrical work is complete.
FINAL CHECK
Is This 2m Circuit Extension or Conversion Right for Your Installation?
Choose this package where a suitable existing hot water electrical supply is already available and the replacement appliance only needs a short extension or change of connection type.
The standard scope includes up to 2 metres of cabling, an RCBO allowance and either a suitable GPO or weatherproof local isolator, depending on how the new appliance is designed to connect.
Additional installed cabling beyond the included 2 metres is charged at $30 per metre.
If the existing circuit is unsuitable, the new appliance requires a substantially different electrical load, or the cable route is significantly longer, a new-circuit package or other electrical scope may be required instead.
