Why Upgrading Your Switchboard Is a Must for Every Perth Home
Introduction: Is Your Switchboard Putting Your Family at Risk?
If you live in Perth and your home still has an old-style fuse box with an asbestos panel, you're not just running outdated equipment — you're also putting your property and loved ones at unnecessary risk. In this blog, we’ll unpack the risks associated with old switchboards, the benefits of upgrading to modern boards with full RCD protection, and why now is the time to make the switch.
What Is a Switchboard, and Why Does It Matter?
Your switchboard is the control hub of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to different parts of the house and provides a central location for safety devices like circuit breakers and RCDs (Residual Current Devices). A faulty or outdated switchboard can fail to detect faults, leading to fire risks or even electrocution.
The Danger of Asbestos Switchboards
Many older homes in Perth still operate with switchboards containing asbestos panels. This is a serious concern:
Asbestos Exposure: Drilling or disturbing these panels during maintenance or upgrades can release dangerous asbestos fibres, which are a known cause of serious respiratory illnesses.
No Safe Alterations: You can’t safely modify or expand these boards, making future upgrades or repairs both risky and expensive.
Illegal to Install: New switchboards with asbestos are not compliant with current Australian standards and are a major liability during property sales.
Asbestos switchboard? You’re living on borrowed time.
The Limitations of Fuse Wire Technology
While old fuse boards may still "function," they have significant downsides:
Manual Replacement: Every time a fuse blows, you need to manually replace the wire.
Callout Costs: If you're unable to fix it, you’re likely spending $150+ per callout for an electrician.
Poor Fault Detection: Fuse wires don't detect small but dangerous faults — these can smoulder and cause fires before ever blowing the fuse.
Real Fire Risk: What You Need to Know
A common but often unseen danger is the fire hazard posed by loose fuse connections:
Loose Connections generate heat over time, leading to melting cables or combustion inside the board.
A fire inside your switchboard will result in significant damage and high replacement costs — far more than a proactive upgrade would cost.
Don’t wait until smoke’s pouring out of your wall.
The Modern Solution: Circuit Breakers + RCD Protection
Modern switchboards use circuit breakers and RCDs for enhanced protection. Here's what you get:
1. Resettable Protection
No more fuse wires. When a circuit trips, just flick it back on.
2. Electrocution Protection
RCDs detect small leaks of electricity (as little as 30 milliamps) and cut power in milliseconds.
They are sensitive enough to detect when electricity is flowing somewhere it shouldn’t — like through a human body.
3. Full Compliance With Australian Standards
All circuits are required to have RCD protection. Upgrading your switchboard ensures your home is up to code and legally protected.
Hidden Faults? Your Old Switchboard Might Be Hiding Them
Retrofitting a new switchboard often reveals existing electrical faults. RCDs are much more sensitive than old protection devices, so:
They May Trip on Faults not previously detectable.
Fault Finding May Be Required, but it’s a vital step in ensuring your system is safe.
Better to Know Now and fix it, rather than risk injury or property damage later.
The Upgrade Process: What’s Involved
At Jarrah Group, a typical switchboard upgrade in Perth includes:
Removal of the existing asbestos or outdated panel
Installation of a new compliant switchboard enclosure
Full re-wiring and secure connections
Circuit breakers for every circuit
RCD protection on all socket outlets, lighting points, and hard-wired appliances
Your board will be left fully compliant, professionally labelled, and built to last.
Benefits at a Glance
Safety
Eliminate electrocution risks
Reduce chance of switchboard fires
Convenience
No more replacing fuse wire
Easy reset of tripped circuits
Compliance
Meet current Australian standards
Asbestos-free, modern board
Property Value
Compliant electrical infrastructure is attractive to buyers
Future-proofs your property
Legal and Insurance Advantages
Many insurance providers in Perth now require:
RCD protection on all circuits
No asbestos in electrical infrastructure
Failure to comply may void your home insurance policy in the event of an electrical fault.
Upgrading ensures your policy remains valid, and you’re not left footing the bill for avoidable electrical issues.
Who Should Consider a Switchboard Upgrade?
If you:
Own an older property in Perth
Have a board with ceramic fuses or no RCDs
Are doing renovations or adding new appliances
Want peace of mind
Then a switchboard upgrade Perth should be at the top of your to-do list.
How Jarrah Group Makes It Easy
At Jarrah Group, we don’t just offer electrical services in Perth — we specialise in making homes safer.
Our licensed Perth electricians will inspect, quote, and install with zero fuss.
We handle all asbestos removal and disposal safely and compliantly.
We’ll talk you through the changes, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Peace of Mind
A switchboard upgrade isn’t just a maintenance job — it’s a safety upgrade for your home and family. From reducing fire risk to ensuring your home is legally compliant and covered by insurance, the benefits are too significant to ignore.
Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or property manager in Perth, now is the time to talk to your trusted Perth electrician at Jarrah Group.
Ready to make your switchboard safe and modern?
Get in touch today for a no-pressure, expert inspection.
Jarrah Group — the electrician Perth trusts.
