Stewart Electrical Group electrician working on a residential switchboard

    Service Mains Explained

    Underground vs overhead mains: what is the difference?

    Service mains are the cables that bring electricity from the street network to your property. Overhead mains run through the air from a pole to a point of attachment on the building. Underground mains run in a trench from a pit or pole to the meter box. Converting from one to the other involves network-side work carried out by an accredited Level 2 service provider.

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    Owners often ask about moving their supply underground during renovations or when an overhead line is in the way.

    This page explains the two types and how the work is organised. Stewart Electrical Group coordinates this work, and network-side tasks are carried out by our accredited Level 2 partners.

    01 / Detail

    Overhead mains

    An aerial cable runs from a street pole to a bracket or point of attachment on the building. It is common across older Sydney suburbs.

    02 / Detail

    Underground mains

    A cable runs underground in conduit from a street pit or the base of a pole to the meter box. It removes the overhead line from the property.

    03 / Detail

    Why owners convert

    Common reasons include renovations or second storeys that bring the building close to the line, trees, driveways and appearance.

    04 / Detail

    Who does what

    Stewart Electrical Group assesses the property, coordinates the job and handles customer-side work such as the switchboard. Connection to the network and work on the service mains are carried out by our accredited Level 2 partners.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Related questions, answered.

    Can every property go underground?

    Not always. It depends on the network in the street and the site.

    Is trenching part of the work?

    Trenching is needed for underground mains. The arrangement is confirmed during planning.

    Do I need approval?

    Network-side work requires the relevant network approvals, handled through the Level 2 process.

    Is Stewart Electrical Group a Level 2 provider?

    No. We coordinate the work with our accredited Level 2 partners.

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    What Our Clients Say

    Google Reviews

    50+Five-Star Reviews
    100%Would Recommend

    Sean W.

    "Darcy and Blake are professional in every sense. We've used them now for two rounds of renovation works. Both times the works were completed to a high standard, communication was clear throughout, and pricing was fair and transparent."

    Johanna F.

    "Darcy and the team at Stewart Electrical were brilliant to deal with from start to finish. Friendly, professional and found the perfect solution within my budget. Communication confirming the job and timing on the day was great."

    Albert P.

    "It is great dealing with Darcy and Blake, both projects were delivered on time, budget and with great feedback from our clients. We are looking forward to working with you in future."

    Laura W.

    "Darcy is quick to respond, manages expectations with a time window of arrival and keeps to it, gets the job done quickly. Was professional dealing with a very fragile light fitting. Friendly, good to chat to."

    Andrea L.

    "I've worked with Darcy and his team across three properties now. Their professionalism, communication and knowledge is outstanding, honestly rare when dealing with trades. They actually care about the work they do. I won't use any other electrician."

    Tahira K.

    "Fantastic experience with the ceiling fan installation. Smooth, efficient service at a reasonable price, completed quickly without compromising quality. Friendly, helpful staff who answered all my questions. Highly recommend!"

    Maryanne P.

    "Very impressed, prompt replies, excellent communication and a very high standard of work. The team are professional, friendly and easy to deal with. Highly recommend!"

    Amanda W.

    "Excellent communication, prompt to the minute, and lovely to deal with. Darcy fixed our tricky issue with creative thinking and we were very satisfied with the result. Fantastic electrician, highly recommend!"

    Shanel H.

    "Darcy was the only electrician who took the time to contact me when I lost power. He swiftly identified and fixed the issue, with recommendations to prevent it reoccurring. Professional, punctual, and quoted before starting. Happy to give SEG our repeat business."

    03 / Recent Projects

    Recent projects

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    Lighting and electrical installation at Nature's Energy in Balmain

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    Stewart Electrical Group team carrying out electrical work

    05 / Our Standards

    The standards we bring to every job.

    Precision Workmanship

    Careful installation, thorough testing and a considered finish.

    Clear Communication

    The scope and next steps are explained in plain language.

    Transparent Quoting

    A clear written quote sets out the agreed work before it begins.

    Respect for Your Space

    Work areas are treated carefully and left clean at handover.

    Talk to an Electrician

    Thinking about moving your mains?

    Tell us about the property and we will explain the process.