The short answer
If your switchboard is mounted on a black or dark brown, rough backing board, it may contain asbestos. These bituminous electrical backing boards were made before 1987. Left alone and undamaged, the board is generally non-friable, but drilling, cutting or breaking it can release fibres. Don't touch it, drill it or try to remove it yourself. The NSW Government's asbestos website advises getting a licensed asbestos assessor and a licensed removalist involved, and any switchboard upgrade on one of these boards is planned around that.
How to tell if your board may contain asbestos
The NSW asbestos website (asbestos.nsw.gov.au) describes these boards as:
- made before 1987;
- usually black or dark brown;
- rough or fibrous in texture;
- possibly smelling like tar;
- sometimes stamped on the back with brand names such as Lebah, Zelemite, Miscolite or Ausbestos.
Some boards that the electricity company identified as possibly containing asbestos carry a warning sticker on the board or inside the meter box. A missing sticker does NOT mean the board is asbestos-free.
You can't confirm asbestos by looking. Only testing by a qualified person can tell you for sure. If you are not sure, treat it as if it does contain asbestos.
Friable and non-friable: why it matters
The bituminous backing boards themselves are generally non-friable asbestos, meaning the fibres are bound into the material. The bigger worry on an old board can be the small parts. The NSW asbestos website says old fuse carriers and some fuses (Federal brand is one example) may contain friable asbestos, which crumbles more easily and releases fibres.
The SafeWork NSW licence rules are:
| Type and amount | Licence needed? |
|---|---|
| Any friable asbestos | Yes, a licensed removalist is legally required |
| More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos | Yes, a licensed removalist is legally required |
| Up to 10 m² of non-friable asbestos | Not legally required, but SafeWork NSW recommends a licensed removalist for any amount |
A switchboard backing board is far smaller than 10 m², but old fuse carriers can be friable, and SafeWork recommends a licensed removalist regardless. Licensed removalists must notify SafeWork NSW at least 5 days before licensed removal work starts, so allow time for that in your plans.
What the electrician can and can't do
We are licensed electricians, not asbestos removalists, and we don't advertise asbestos removal. Here is how the work splits:
- Electricians who may be exposed to asbestos must have asbestos awareness training, under SafeWork NSW rules. SafeWork's Code of Practice How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace includes a safe work practice for working on electrical mounting boards (switchboards) containing asbestos, and that governs any limited work on them.
- A licensed asbestos assessor can identify and test the material.
- A licensed asbestos removalist removes the board and any friable parts, and disposes of them properly.
- A Level 2 Accredited Service Provider is needed if the service fuse, meter or consumer mains have to be disconnected or moved. Ordinary licensed electricians can't do that part in NSW.
Nelson can work out the electrical side, tell you which of these trades your job needs, and line the work up so your power is off for as little time as possible.
What a switchboard upgrade on an asbestos board looks like
Every job is different, but the general order is:
- Nelson looks at the board and the meter box and gives you a written price for the electrical work. Asbestos is quoted separately.
- If the board is suspected to contain asbestos, you engage a licensed asbestos assessor and a licensed removalist.
- Where the meter or service fuse is involved, a Level 2 ASP and Essential Energy are brought in.
- The old board is removed by the removalist under their procedures.
- We fit the new switchboard with an RCBO on every circuit. AS/NZS 3000:2018 requires 30 mA RCD protection on every applicable final subcircuit when a switchboard is replaced.
- Every circuit is tested and you get a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW), lodged through the Building Commission NSW eCert portal.
For the electrical part, our switchboard upgrade cost guide shows how the price adds up, and the instant estimate lets you tick "asbestos: yes or not sure" so it is flagged on your enquiry.
Living with an asbestos board in the meantime
Until the board is dealt with, the main thing is not to disturb it. Don't:
- drill, screw or cut into the board to mount anything;
- sand, scrape or paint it;
- pull out old fuse carriers yourself;
- pressure-wash the meter box.
If the board is cracked, crumbling or burnt, keep people away from it and get advice from a licensed asbestos assessor and a licensed electrician. If there is smoke or fire, call 000.
Older homes around Wagga
If your Wagga or Riverina home was built before 1987 and still has its original meter box, it is worth checking what the board is made of. The NSW Government recommends having an electrician check properties built before 2000 and flags wiring in homes from before the 1980s as a particular risk, so an old black board is often a sign the rest of the installation is due for a look too. See signs you need a switchboard upgrade.
Common questions
Can an electrician remove an asbestos switchboard?
The NSW asbestos website advises using a licensed asbestos assessor and a licensed removalist. Friable asbestos, which old fuse carriers may contain, legally requires a licensed removalist. Electricians who may be exposed must have asbestos awareness training. We don't remove asbestos; we coordinate with a licensed removalist and do the electrical work.
How do I know if my meter board has asbestos?
Boards made before 1987 that are black or dark brown, rough or fibrous, or smell like tar may contain asbestos. Brand names like Lebah, Zelemite, Miscolite and Ausbestos are a strong hint. Only testing confirms it, so treat it as asbestos if unsure.
My meter box has no asbestos sticker. Is it safe?
Not necessarily. The NSW asbestos website says a missing sticker does not mean the board is asbestos-free.
Is an asbestos switchboard dangerous if I leave it alone?
The backing boards are generally non-friable, so the main thing is not to disturb them. The risk comes from drilling, cutting, breaking or removing it. If it is damaged, get it assessed.
Does asbestos change the cost of a switchboard upgrade?
Yes. The electrical work is priced the same way as any switchboard, but asbestos removal is quoted separately by the removalist, and there may be extra steps if a Level 2 ASP is needed for the meter or service fuse.