Free 60-Second Quiz
Do I Need a Switchboard Upgrade?
No jargon, no numbers. Tick the things that are true for your home and get a straight answer — plus what to do next.
The signs are usually visible from the hallway
You don't need to be an electrician to spot a tired switchboard. Ceramic fuses, a black backing panel and the absence of safety switches are all visible at a glance — and they're the same things a licensed electrician checks first. A switchboard upgrade replaces all of it with circuit breakers and safety switches on every circuit.
Planning to add big loads? Run the numbers in the maximum demand calculator or check a specific appliance with the EV charger readiness checker.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
The clearest signs are ceramic (rewirable) fuses instead of circuit breakers, no safety switches (RCDs), frequent tripping or blown fuses, flickering lights, buzzing or burning smells at the board, and a black asbestos-backed panel. Any one of the serious signs means the board should be inspected by a licensed electrician.
Are ceramic fuses illegal in NSW?
Existing ceramic fuses aren't automatically illegal — they still provide overcurrent protection — but unlike safety switches (RCDs) they don't protect people from electric shock. New circuit work triggers the requirement for RCD protection, and insurers increasingly ask about board condition. Replacing a fuse board with modern circuit breakers and RCDs is the standard fix.
What does a switchboard upgrade involve?
The old fuse board is replaced with a modern enclosure fitted with circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs/RCBOs) on every circuit, properly labelled. If the consumer mains or metering also need work, that's Level 2 ASP territory — Sydney Power Group is accredited for Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential networks, so the whole job is handled end to end.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger or air conditioning?
Often, yes. A 7kW EV charger or ducted air con needs a dedicated circuit with RCBO protection, and older boards frequently have no spare ways or insufficient capacity. Checking the board before you buy the appliance avoids an expensive surprise on installation day.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
A straightforward domestic switchboard upgrade is typically completed in a day, with power off for part of it. Jobs that also involve consumer mains or metering work can take longer and may need a network application — we quote the full scope up front, backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty.