Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system, but it’s also one of the most neglected. Many Sydney homes still run on outdated fuse boxes that aren’t just inefficient, they’re dangerous.

In this guide, we’ll share the 5 clear signs that your switchboard needs upgrading, and what you should do next to protect your home and family.

Why Switchboard Safety Matters

An outdated or overloaded switchboard puts your home at risk of electrical fires, outages, and appliance damage. As modern homes add more devices, from EV chargers to ducted air conditioning, many older systems simply can’t keep up.

Upgrading your switchboard doesn’t just improve safety. It ensures compliance with Australian standards and future-proofs your home.

Still Has Ceramic Fuses

Ceramic fuses were common in homes built before the 1990s, but they’re no longer compliant with modern safety standards. These fuses:

1. React slower to electrical faults

2. Offer no protection from electric shock

3. Are prone to overheating or melting

If your switchboard still has fuse wire or porcelain components, it’s time to call a Level 2 Electrician in Sydney for a full upgrade.

No Safety Switches (RCDs) Are Installed

By law, all residential properties must have Residual Current Devices (RCDs) installed. These safety switches instantly cut power if they detect a fault, helping to prevent electric shock and electrocution.

If your board has no visible safety switches (with a ‘test’ button), it’s not just outdated, it’s non-compliant.

Your Power Trips Frequently or Lights Flicker

Do your lights dim when you turn on appliances? Does your power trip more than once a month?

This often means your circuits are overloaded or poorly wired. A modern switchboard distributes load more evenly and protects your appliances from surges.

You’re Renovating or Adding High-Load Devices

Planning to install:

1. An EV charger

2. Ducted air conditioning

3. A new kitchen or pool equipment?

Your existing switchboard may not handle the increased demand. Upgrading ensures safe operation — and may be required by your energy provider or council approval process.

You Notice a Burning Smell or Heat

If you ever smell burning plastic or notice warm areas around your switchboard, shut off your power immediately and call an electrician.

These are signs of arcing, melted wires, or internal fire damage. This isn’t just an upgrade issue — it’s a potential emergency.

What’s Involved in a Switchboard Upgrade?

Here’s what to expect when you book a professional upgrade in Sydney with Selectrical:

1. On-site inspection of your current switchboard and load capacity

2. Power disconnection and removal of the old board

3. Installation of a modern enclosure with circuit breakers and RCDs

4. Testing and compliance certification

5. Optional integration with smart meters or 3-phase upgrades if required

All work is completed by fully licensed Level 2 ASP electricians to meet Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy standards.