Switchboard Upgrades in Southern Perth
An old ceramic fuse box is one of the most common electrical hazards in WA homes — and one of the most overlooked. Unlike modern safety switches (RCBOs), ceramic fuses don't trip fast enough to prevent electric shock or stop an electrical fire. Sparky Local upgrades switchboards across Rockingham, Mandurah, Kwinana, Baldivis, and surrounding suburbs — including handling all Western Power notifications so you don't have to.
What we handle:
- Replacement of ceramic & rewirable fuse boxes
- RCBO (combined safety switch + breaker) per circuit
- Old Federal, Nilsen & MEM board removal
- Asbestos-backed panel removal & disposal
- Mains cable assessment & upgrade if required
- Solar-ready & EV charger-ready board configuration
- Additional circuit capacity for renovations
- Testing, commissioning & Certificate of Compliance
Get a Free Quote
As soon as possible
How it works
- 1
Free assessment & upfront quote
We inspect your existing board, check the mains cable condition, count your circuits, and give you a fixed price before any work begins. No obligation.
- 2
Western Power disconnection booked
Switchboard replacement requires the mains to be temporarily isolated. We coordinate the disconnection booking with Western Power — you don't need to call them.
- 3
Old board removed, new board installed
The old fuse box (and asbestos backing if present) is safely removed. A new enclosure with individual RCBOs per circuit is installed and labelled clearly.
- 4
Testing, certificate & Western Power notification
Every circuit is tested before reconnection. We issue your Certificate of Electrical Compliance and lodge the required Western Power notification — all included.
Common questions
How do I know if I need a switchboard upgrade?
If your board has ceramic fuses, rewirable fuses, or old-style circuit breakers without safety switches (RCDs), it needs upgrading. Other signs: the board is warm to the touch, fuses blow regularly, or your home was built before 1990. Homes with solar, a battery, or an EV charger also typically need a board upgrade to support those circuits safely.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in Perth?
Most residential switchboard upgrades in Perth range from $800 to $2,500. The main variables are the number of circuits, whether the mains cable needs upgrading, and whether there's an asbestos backing panel that needs removal. We give you a fixed price before we start.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Most single-phase residential upgrades are completed in one day. Your power will be off for a portion of that time while the board is replaced — typically 3–5 hours.
Do I need to be home during the upgrade?
Yes — someone needs to be home to give access to the meter box and to approve the work before we begin. You can go about your day inside; we'll let you know when power will be off.
Is my switchboard asbestos? How do I know?
Switchboards installed before the mid-1980s often used asbestos-cement backing panels — commonly found in Federal and Nilsen branded boards. You cannot tell by looking. We treat any pre-1990 board as potentially containing asbestos and follow the required safe removal procedures. This is included in our quote.
Can my switchboard be upgraded to handle solar and an EV charger?
Yes — in fact, most older boards can't safely support the load from solar inverters, battery systems, or EV chargers without an upgrade. We configure the new board with the right circuit capacity and isolator positions for your current and planned equipment.
Why Sparky Local?
We handle the full job end-to-end — Western Power coordination, asbestos removal if needed, compliance certificate, and notification. Fixed upfront price. Most jobs completed in one day. Lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Ready to get started?
Upfront pricing. No call-out fee on local jobs. Lifetime workmanship guarantee.