Do I need to upgrade my meter board?

Your meter board and switchboard are the heart of your home's electrical system. Many older homes still have their original boards, and while they may seem to work fine, they weren't designed for today's appliances, solar systems, batteries or EV chargers. Here's how to tell if yours might need attention.

Meter board vs switchboard: what's the difference?

People often use the terms interchangeably. Your meter measures the electricity you use. Your switchboard contains the fuses or circuit breakers and safety switches that protect each circuit in your home. In many houses they're in the same box, often on an outside wall. When people talk about a "meter board upgrade", they usually mean upgrading the switchboard, and sometimes the meter panel and enclosure as well.

Signs your board may need an upgrade

You still have ceramic fuses. Older boards often use ceramic fuses with fuse wire. They protect wiring, but they don't protect people from electric shock the way modern safety switches do.

You don't have safety switches (RCDs). Safety switches cut the power in a fraction of a second if they detect current leaking, for example through a person. The NSW Government advises that properties built from around 2000 onwards usually have them, and recommends homeowners with older properties ask a licensed electrician to check. Many older homes have only one safety switch covering several circuits, or none at all.

Fuses blow or breakers trip often. This can mean circuits are overloaded or there's a fault that needs finding.

Signs of heat or damage. Scorch marks, a burning smell, buzzing or crackling noises, or a warm board are signs to call an electrician promptly.

There's no room for new circuits. If you're renovating or adding appliances, an old board may simply not have space.

Planning solar, a battery or an EV charger?

These are some of the most common reasons we upgrade boards. Each one adds new circuits and protection devices, and they all need space and a board in good condition. When we quote for solar, battery storage or an EV charger, we check your switchboard as part of the assessment and tell you upfront if it needs work.

Asbestos in older meter boards

Many meter boards installed before the late 1980s used a dark, stiff backing board that may contain asbestos. According to NSW Government asbestos guidance, these boards are usually dark brown or black with a rough, fibrous surface, and some carry brand names or warning stickers. Some older fuses may also contain asbestos.

If the board is in good condition and left alone, it's generally considered low risk, but it shouldn't be drilled, cut or sanded. Any work on a suspected asbestos board needs the right precautions, and in some cases a licensed asbestos removalist. Don't try to inspect or work on it yourself.

What's involved in an upgrade?

Every home is different, but a typical switchboard upgrade involves:

• Assessing your existing board, wiring and circuits
• Replacing old fuses with modern circuit breakers
• Installing safety switches to protect your circuits
• Replacing the board or enclosure if needed
• Testing everything and issuing a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work

The power will be off for part of the day, and we'll let you know in advance how long to expect.

There's no standalone government rebate for switchboard upgrades, but the NSW Government lists a switchboard upgrade as an eligible upgrade for its interest-free Home Energy Saver loan (up to $15,000 over up to 10 years, when available). We'll check your eligibility when we quote.

When the network side is involved

Some upgrades also involve the connection between the street and your home, such as relocating the meter, upgrading service mains, or changing from single to three phase. In the Endeavour Energy network area, this work must be done by a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider. We're Level 2 accredited, so we can handle this in-house rather than waiting on another contractor. Learn more about our Level 2 services.

How we can help

Our in-house licensed electricians assess your board, explain what needs doing and why, and complete the work without subcontractors. If your board is fine as it is, we'll tell you. See our residential electrical services for more.

Frequently asked questions