Pits + Private pillars + Trench to switchboard
Underground services.
New underground connections, conversions and upgrades across Sydney. We trench, install the service mains in conduit, connect to your switchboard and reinstate.
What an underground supply is
Service mains in underground conduit from the network point of supply (a street pillar, pit or the base of a power pole) to your property. From the point of attachment, consumer mains carry the supply to the main switchboard or meter box.
Thorntek carries out the complete run:
- Trenching and installation of underground service mains in conduit
- Pits and private pillars where the connection requires one
- New underground connections for homes and commercial sites
- Conversion of an existing overhead service to underground
- Upgrades to existing underground service mains and consumer mains
- Reinstatement of concrete, pavers and turf behind the trench
How the connection is installed
01
Send photos and your property details. We provide a fixed quote, with a free site visit where needed.
02
We lodge every approval with Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy.
03
We trench, lay the conduit and service mains, and install the pit or private pillar if required.
04
We connect at the switchboard, test, and reinstate the surface: concrete, pavers or turf.
One team and one quote cover the excavation and the electrical work.
Private pillars
A private pillar is a ground level connection point on your property where the service mains join your consumer mains. Where one is needed, it is installed as part of the job and included in the fixed quote.
Trenching and reinstatement
One crew excavates, lays the conduit, runs the service mains, completes the electrical work and reinstates the concrete, pavers or turf.
- Adding capacity while the trench is open: a 3 phase power upgrade or switchboard upgrade in the same job
- Overhead to underground changeover: send photos for a quote
- Staying overhead: overhead services
Common questions
How much does it cost to connect underground power to a house?
Price depends on trench length, the surfaces excavated (turf reinstates at lower cost than concrete or asphalt), cable size and whether a pit or private pillar is required. Send site details and photos through the contact page for a fixed quote.
Can you convert an existing overhead power line to underground?
Yes, regularly. We install the conduit and any pit or private pillar, run the new service mains and complete the changeover so the overhead span can be removed; send your address and photos for a quote.
Who can install an underground power connection? Do I need a Level 2 electrician?
Yes, it is Level 2 ASP work because it connects to the network at a street pillar, pit or the base of a power pole. Thorntek holds ASP 4869 with both Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy and manages the trenching, conduits, cabling, connection and paperwork.
How long does an underground power connection take?
It depends on trench length, surfaces and network approvals; the changeover interrupts your supply for part of the day only. Your fixed quote confirms the timeframe and outage window.
What is a private pillar?
The connection box on your property where the underground service mains join your consumer mains, owned and maintained by the property owner, not the network. We install and replace private pillars; send a photo of a damaged one through the contact page.