From ceramic fuses to individual RCBOs
Old rewireable fuses offer overload protection only. They do not protect people from electric shock. A modern board puts each circuit on its own RCBO — a combined circuit breaker and safety switch on DIN rail.
With individual RCBOs, a faulty kettle trips only the kitchen power circuit, not your lights, fridge and alarm as well.
What a typical upgrade includes
Most single-dwelling board swaps are completed in one working day, with power off for part of it. We plan the shutdown with you so the fridge and freezer are off for as short a time as possible.
- New enclosure with DIN-rail RCBOs on every final sub-circuit
- New main switch, neutral and earth bars
- Main earth and bonding checked, and renewed where needed
- Circuits labelled clearly at the board
- Insulation resistance and RCD trip-time testing on every circuit
- Spare positions left for future EV, solar or battery
Older panels: Zelemite and asbestos backing boards
Many Sydney homes built before the late 1980s have switchboards mounted on Zelemite or similar backing panels that may contain asbestos. We treat these as asbestos-containing until confirmed otherwise.
We do not cut, drill or sand them. Removal follows SafeWork NSW asbestos requirements, using a licensed asbestos removalist where the job requires it. We tell you upfront if your panel falls into this category.
Meter and service mains
If the meter position, service fuse or consumer mains also need changing, that is network-side work for a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider. We coordinate a licensed Level 2 ASP for that portion and keep the whole job on one timeline.
Work is certified to AS/NZS 3000, with compliance paperwork provided where required.
Switchboard Upgrade FAQs
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
Signs include ceramic fuses, a safety switch on only some circuits, breakers that trip often, scorch marks or a burning smell, and no space for new circuits.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most homes are done in a day. Jobs needing asbestos removal or Level 2 network work can take longer, and we tell you before booking.
Will an upgrade cause more trips?
Sometimes, at first. New RCBOs expose existing faults the old fuses ignored. We find and fix those faults during testing so the board stays stable.
Is my old switchboard asbestos?
Black or brown backing boards in pre-1990 homes may contain asbestos. We assume they do until tested, and handle them under SafeWork NSW rules.
Do I need an upgrade before installing an EV charger or solar?
Not always. Older fuse boards usually do. Modern boards may only need spare positions or load management. We check before quoting.
Switchboard Upgrade across Sydney
We work right across Sydney metro. Jump to local information for your area: