Short answer: Replacing a ceramic fuse switchboard usually means swapping the old fuses for circuit breakers plus safety switches (RCDs or RCBOs) in a new enclosure, testing every circuit, and lodging a compliance certificate. Expect some downtime on the day. The main choices are the type of shock protection, how much spare space you leave, and whether the old asbestos backing board and meter panel need replacing too.
If you’ve decided your old fuse board has to go, the next questions are practical. What goes in its place? How long is the power off? What happens to the old asbestos board? This guide explains the choices in plain English so you can read a quote with confidence. If you’re still deciding whether you need an upgrade at all, start with signs you need a switchboard upgrade.
The four main decisions
1. Safety switches: RCDs or RCBOs?
A new board must include safety switches on the circuits that need them. You can do that in two ways:
- RCDs protect a group of circuits each. They take less space and cost less, but one fault trips every circuit in that group.
- RCBOs combine a circuit breaker and a safety switch on a single circuit. A fault only takes out that one circuit.
Many Inner West homes end up with RCBOs on key circuits like the fridge and freezer and grouped RCDs elsewhere. Our RCD vs RCBO guide compares them in detail.
2. How much spare space to leave
A switchboard is hard to expand once it’s full. If you’re thinking about air conditioning, an induction cooktop, a heat pump, solar, a battery or an EV charger in the next five to ten years, ask for spare poles now. It’s usually cheaper than another board change later.
3. Enclosure: inside or in the meter box
In many Inner West terraces and semis, the fuses sit in the same outdoor meter box as the meter. Options include:
- a new enclosure in the same position
- a separate internal board, with the meter staying outside
- a larger meter box, if the old one is too small or damaged
Where your meter and main switch go can affect whether the network side needs work, which leads to the next point.
4. The backing board and the meter
Old fuse boards are often mounted on black bituminous panels. SafeWork NSW explains that boards installed before 1987 may contain asbestos and should not be drilled or cut. Removing one may need an asbestos-aware approach or a licensed removalist.
If the meter has to move, or the service fuse and consumer mains need replacing, that’s network-related work. In NSW it needs a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider, as the NSW Government ASP Scheme page explains. Blue Link is not Level 2 accredited. We do the switchboard on your side of the main switch and will tell you upfront if your job also needs a Level 2 provider.
What happens on the day
| Stage | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Arrival and isolation | Power off at the main switch; network supply arrangements confirmed if needed |
| Old board out | Fuses and old gear removed, circuits labelled as they’re disconnected |
| New board in | Enclosure fitted, breakers and safety switches installed, cables terminated |
| Fault surprises | Old circuits sometimes fail insulation tests once safety switches are fitted |
| Testing | Every circuit tested; safety switches trip-tested |
| Paperwork | Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) lodged |
The NSW Government’s CCEW page says the electrician must submit the certificate no later than 7 days after testing the work. Ask for a copy for your records.
The surprise you should plan for
The most common hiccup is that one or two old circuits won’t hold a safety switch. Ceramic fuses don’t detect earth leakage, so a damaged cable or a leaky old appliance can go unnoticed for years. Once an RCD is fitted, it trips.
That’s not the new board’s fault. It’s the safety switch finding a problem that was always there. A good electrician will explain what the tests show and give you options, from replacing one damaged section of cable to planning a rewire. Our guide to old wiring in Inner West terraces covers what we commonly find.
Ready to get rid of the old fuses? Book a switchboard upgrade with a licensed local electrician. Call 0421 772 661 for a fixed quote after we’ve looked at your board.
How to compare quotes
When you get quotes, check that each one says:
- how many RCDs or RCBOs, and which circuits they cover
- how many spare spaces the new enclosure has
- what happens with the old backing board
- whether surge protection is included or optional (see is surge protection worth it?)
- whether any Level 2 work is needed and who does it
- that testing and a CCEW are included
For typical price ranges and the factors behind them, see switchboard upgrade cost in Sydney. The NSW Government’s switchboard upgrade page also has general guidance.
We replace fuse boards across Leichhardt, Marrickville, Ashfield and nearby suburbs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace a fuse board?
Many straightforward replacements are done in a day, with the power off for several hours. Larger jobs, faults found during testing or meter changes can take longer.
Do I need to replace the meter box too?
Not always. It depends on space, condition and the backing board. If the meter or service connection has to change, that part needs a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider.
Will my lights and power points need changing?
Usually not. The circuits are reconnected to the new board. If testing finds faulty wiring, those circuits may need repair before they can be safely protected.
Should I get RCBOs on every circuit?
It gives the most selective protection but takes more space and costs more. Many homes use a mix. Talk it through with your electrician based on your circuits and budget.