9 articles on old fuse boxes, RCBOs, 3-phase boards and when to upgrade a switchboard. See all articles
9 articles
Victorian rentals must have switchboards with circuit breakers and safety switches. Replacing an old fuse board usually costs about $1,000–$3,500.
Victorian rules. Switchboard upgrades are in Adelaide only.
Most homes run on single-phase power. Larger homes and businesses may need a 3-phase switchboard, which supplies both 240V and 415V.
Old fuse boxes blow fuses, add to the fire risk and may not meet current Australian standards.
Early fuse-style switchboards weren’t built for today’s appliances, and many are now a fire and shock risk.
Tripping breakers, an overloaded board and outdated wiring are the usual reasons a switchboard fails.
An RCBO is a safety switch and circuit breaker in one device, protecting a single circuit against shock and overload.
Australia’s Wiring Rules and safety rules have changed over time, and many older switchboards have no safety switches (RCDs).
Breakers that keep tripping, a burning smell, frayed wiring, a hot switchboard or no safety switches can all mean your switchboard needs attention.
Your switchboard sends power from the grid to every circuit in your home and cuts it when there’s a fault.
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