This is a real switchboard we replaced in Petersham — a very common ceramic-fuse setup still found across homes in Sydney, Merrylands, Parramatta, Guildford, Lidcombe and Auburn.
As you can see in the photo, the old ceramic fuses, exposed wiring and aged components create serious safety risks.
Upgrading to modern RCD/RCBO safety switches is one of the most important electrical safety improvements you can make.
What You’re Looking At (In This Photo)
This old ceramic fuse box had multiple problems:
-
Outdated ceramic rewireable fuses
-
Exposed cables entering the board
-
No RCD/RCBO protection
-
Aged Clipsal fuse holders
-
Potential for overheating
-
No fire-rated enclosure
-
Labels faded and circuits unclear
This type of board is no longer compliant with current Australian Standards and provides almost no protection against electric shock.
Why Ceramic Fuses Are Unsafe Today
Ceramic fuses were common 30–50 years ago, but today they are considered a major risk because:
● They don’t protect against electric shock
Only RCDs/RCBOs can trip fast enough to prevent electrocution.
● They can overheat
Loose fuse wire and worn contacts can cause overheating or burning.
● Homeowners often put the wrong fuse wire
This causes circuits to run overloaded for years.
● No arc-fault protection
Modern boards are far safer and reduce fire risks.
Why We Upgraded This Switchboard to RCDs
For this home, we installed:
-
A new safety-compliant enclosure
-
RCBO safety switches on every circuit
-
Clean terminations
-
New circuit labelling
-
Surge protection (optional but recommended)
The result?
🔒 Improved electrical safety
⚡ Faster fault detection
🏡 Compliance with modern standards
🛡️ Full shock protection for the family
This upgrade brings the home to today’s electrical safety expectations.
How to Know If YOUR Switchboard Needs Upgrading
If your current board looks similar to the photo above, you likely need an upgrade if:
-
You have ceramic fuses
-
Your power keeps tripping
-
The switchboard feels warm
-
You are renovating or adding appliances
-
Your home is pre-2000s
-
You have no safety switches
How Much Does a Switchboard Upgrade Cost in Sydney?
💲 Most Sydney homes fall between $1,200–$3,000
(depends on number of circuits & condition)
📍 Areas We Service
Ampera Electrical provides switchboard upgrades across:
-
Merrylands
-
Parramatta
-
Guildford
-
Lidcombe
-
Auburn
-
Granville
-
Petersham
-
All Western Sydney & Inner West
📞 Need to Upgrade Your Switchboard?
If your board looks anything like the one in the photo, it’s time to upgrade.
👉 Call Ampera Electrical Today
Licensed & insured switchboard upgrade specialists.