Ceramic fuses and old fuse boxes: when you need an upgrade

Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 13 October 2026

What ceramic fuses are

A ceramic fuse is a removable white porcelain carrier that plugs into a base on the switchboard. Inside is a length of thin fuse wire. When too much current flows, the wire melts and cuts the circuit. Officially they're called semi-enclosed rewireable fuses.

They were standard in Australian homes for decades before circuit breakers took over. If your board has a row of white plug-in carriers rather than switches, that's what you have.

• White or cream porcelain carriers you pull out, instead of switches you flick
• No button marked T or Test, so no safety switch (RCD)
• Often a black backing panel behind the meter, which can contain asbestos in homes from before the late 1980s
• Spare fuse wire on a card in the meter box

Why an old fuse box matters

The wrong fuse wire is a fire risk

Queensland's Electrical Safety Office says to use fuse wire rated for the size of the cable it protects, and never an oversize wire, because it can damage the wiring or start a fire. An old fuse may have been rewired with the wrong wire at some point, and you can't tell by looking.

Fuses protect the wiring, not people

A fuse or circuit breaker cuts the power on an overload or short circuit. Neither stops an electric shock. Building and Energy calls RCD safety switches the most effective protection against electrocution, and a fuse box doesn't have them.

The wiring behind it is often old too

Energy Safe Victoria says wiring in a house more than 30 years old should be checked. If your board is original, the cabling may be as well: see the cost to rewire a house.

What WA's rules say

Building and Energy's fact sheet on switchboard repairs says the wiring rules prohibit electrical workers from replacing a semi-enclosed rewireable fuse with another one; it must be replaced with a circuit breaker. The rule bites when a fuse is replaced, not on boards that are left alone. And Western Power's installation rules say that when a switchboard or supply arrangement is upgraded, any old rewireable fuses on that board must be replaced.

Selling or renting adds a deadline. WA law requires at least two RCD safety switches covering every power point and lighting circuit before a home's title is transferred, before it's rented, and before short-stay guests arrive. A fuse box with no RCDs will usually need upgrading to meet that. The sale and rental rules guide covers the details.

What replacing a fuse box costs

Replacing ceramic fuses means a new switchboard: circuit breakers for each circuit, RCDs or RCBOs, a new main switch and testing. These are the published prices we found:

Published fuse box and switchboard replacement prices

Prices as published, checked 12 October 2026. AVL's are starting prices confirmed after an on-site check. Westside's are fixed and include the service call, parts, labour and a safety check. What's The Damage's Perth figures were updated October 2026. Asbestos panel removal and Western Power fees are extra where they apply.

Two things can add to it. If the meter panel is old black asbestos-containing board, Western Power says the asbestos must be removed when the panel is upgraded, under WorkSafe WA's procedures; ask for it as a separate line. And some upgrades need the supply disconnected at the street, which is a Western Power fee. The switchboard upgrade cost guide lists both.

When to upgrade

• Before selling or renting out the home, or letting it as a holiday rental
• When a fuse blows and needs replacing
• Before adding air-con, an EV charger, induction cooking or a battery
• When fuses blow regularly, or anything smells hot, buzzes or looks scorched
• During a renovation, when circuits are being added or changed

Burning smells, scorch marks or a board that feels hot need attention promptly. Turn off what you safely can and keep clear. See switchboard upgrades for what the job involves on the day.

Common questions