Switchboard Upgrades in NSW: 2025 Guide to RCDs and Surge Protection
Outdated fuse boxes are a safety risk and often non‑compliant. This guide explains when to upgrade, what RCD protection is required, and why surge protection matters for modern homes and businesses.
Ace Plus Electrical Services
12 min read
Key Takeaways
- Modern switchboards use circuit breakers and RCDs to protect people and wiring; ceramic fuses are obsolete
- RCDs are mandatory for final sub‑circuits in most situations under AS/NZS 3000 and significantly reduce shock risk
- Whole‑home surge protection helps protect sensitive electronics from transient voltage spikes
- Labelled circuits, tidy cabling and correct earthing are essential for safety and easier maintenance
Why upgrade your switchboard?
Old fuse boxes were never designed for today’s appliances and loads. Ceramic rewireable fuses can overheat, are inconvenient to reset, and do not provide personal protection against electric shock. A modern switchboard with circuit breakers and RCDs dramatically improves safety and reliability. For many NSW homes and businesses, upgrading is the most effective electrical safety improvement you can make.
What a compliant modern switchboard includes
- Individual circuit breakers or RCBOs for each final sub‑circuit with clear labelling
- RCD protection to AS/NZS 3000 requirements for socket‑outlets and lighting circuits
- Proper MEN earthing, correct main earth size and sound connections
- Main switch sized to current maximum demand with available capacity
- Neat cable management, segregation of neutrals and earths, and intact enclosure IP rating
Understanding RCD requirements
RCDs reduce the risk of fatal electric shock. In most circumstances, final sub‑circuits supplying socket‑outlets and lighting must be protected by an RCD not exceeding 30 mA. Many electricians now fit RCBOs (combined breaker and RCD) on each circuit to prevent a single fault taking out multiple areas of your home or premises. Testing RCD trip times is part of commissioning and maintenance.
Surge protection – is it worth it?
Transient over‑voltages from switching events or lightning can damage sensitive electronics and appliances. Whole‑board surge protection provides a first line of defence. While not a substitute for proper earthing and quality power supplies, surge devices reduce risk and are increasingly recommended for homes with extensive electronics, solar systems or home offices.
The upgrade process
- Assessment of your existing board, earthing, meter position and supply arrangement.
- Design and itemised quote outlining circuits, devices, and any enclosure changes required.
- Power isolation coordinated where necessary; installation of new board and RCBOs.
- Labelling, testing (including RCD trip tests), and compliance documentation.
- Handover with explanation of how to reset and when to arrange future checks.
Typical costs and timeframes
Pricing depends on the number of circuits, enclosure changes, meter position, and whether consumer mains or service upgrades are needed. Many residential upgrades are completed within a day. We provide transparent, itemised pricing before we start, and can stage works where practical.
Commercial and strata considerations
In commercial and strata settings, labelling accuracy, documentation and downtime planning are critical. We schedule works to minimise disruption and can implement temporary supplies where needed. Regular RCD testing and record‑keeping form part of ongoing compliance.
A safer, smarter electrical system
A modern switchboard forms the backbone of a safe installation. If your property inCampbelltown & Macarthur, Wollongong & Illawarra, Shellharbour & South Coast, Southern Highlands, Goulburn & Southern Tablelands, and Outer Liverpool & Western Suburbs still relies on ceramic fuses or lacks RCDs, consider an upgrade. Our licensed electricians deliver neat, compliant installations and provide clear instructions for future maintenance.
Ace Plus Electrical Services
Licensed Electricians – Campbelltown & Macarthur, Wollongong & Illawarra, Shellharbour & South Coast, Southern Highlands, Goulburn & Southern Tablelands, and Outer Liverpool & Western Suburbs
Ace Plus Electrical Services provides licensed residential, commercial and Level 2 electrical services across Campbelltown & Macarthur, Wollongong & Illawarra, Shellharbour & South Coast, Southern Highlands, Goulburn & Southern Tablelands, and Outer Liverpool & Western Suburbs. Our team offers clear pricing, safety‑first workmanship and responsive support for everything from emergency faults to planned upgrades, lighting, switchboards, CCTV, smoke alarms, air‑conditioning and hot water.
