We recently completed a substantial rural electrical project for a client on a rural property in the Bellingen region. The scope covered a new workshop power supply, a full main switchboard replacement, and a LED lighting fit-out, all coordinated across multiple trades and completed in a single project.

The Job

The client had a new 12x7x5 metre workshop that needed power. Getting supply from the main switchboard to the shed required a lengthy underground sub-main run, which we coordinated with our earthworks contractor to ensure the trenching, conduit installation, and backfill were completed safely and to spec.

While planning the sub-main, it became clear the existing main switchboard needed to go. It was old, rusted, and not up to current standards, not a suitable origin point for a new installation. We brought in our trusted Level 2 ASP partners to carry out the mains-level work: new metering, new consumer mains, and a fully compliant replacement switchboard.

During decommissioning of the old board, we found four frogs living inside the enclosure. It’s a good reminder of what rural electrical equipment is up against — geckos, rodents, moisture, insects, and anything else that finds its way in. Old or poorly sealed enclosures on rural properties are a common source of faults and failures.

What We Installed

• Main switchboard replacement: new compliant switchboard with updated metering and consumer mains, carried out in coordination with our Level 2 ASP partners.
• Underground sub-main: mechanically protected cabling run underground from the main switchboard to the workshop, trenched and backfilled by our earthworks contractor.
• Workshop sub-board :a dedicated distribution board installed in the workshop to manage circuits and provide RCD protection throughout the space.
• LED high bay lighting :a series of energy-efficient LED high bays installed to provide even, high-quality light coverage across the full workshop floor. Good lighting in a workshop isn’t an afterthought — it affects how safely and effectively the space can be used.
• Weatherproof enclosures and fittings throughout: given the rural environment and the lesson from the old switchboard, all new equipment and enclosures were specified for weatherproof installation.

Project Location

Bellingen region. We service rural properties across Fernmount, Urunga, Valla, Sawtell, and the wider Coffs Harbour and Mid North Coast region.

Need Power to Your Shed, Farm, or Workshop?

Call Damian on 0402 079 803 or email admin@hack-it.com.au

We handle rural upgrades, underground sub-mains, switchboard replacements, and workshop fit-outs across the Mid North Coast.

FAQ’s For Shed Upgrades

Do I need to upgrade my main switchboard to get power to a new shed or workshop?

Not always — but it depends on the condition and capacity of your existing board. On this project, the main switchboard was old, rusted, and not a suitable origin point for a new sub-main installation. Rather than connect new infrastructure to a failing board, we replaced it as part of the same job. If your switchboard is in good condition and has capacity, a sub-main can often be run without touching the main board. We’ll assess this during the quote.

What’s involved in running power underground to a shed?

Underground sub-mains require mechanically protected cabling run through conduit, trenched to the correct depth, and backfilled correctly. On rural properties this typically involves coordinating with an earthworks contractor for the trenching. The electrical connection at both ends , the main switchboard and the shed sub-board — is licensed electrical work. We manage the full process including earthworks coordination, so you’re dealing with one point of contact rather than multiple trades.