Many older Western Australian homes have semi-enclosed fuses in the switchboard. Building and Energy has published a fact sheet on repair work on switchboard panels. Western Power’s connection requirements also cover rewireable fuses when a switchboard is upgraded. This is our plain-language summary. [1][2]
What counts as a repair
The fact sheet refers to the wiring rules, AS/NZS 3000:2018, which define a repair as the work to restore an electrical installation to a safe and sound working condition after deterioration or damage has occurred. It says this type of work is often seen when upgrading kilowatt-hour meters or replacing older semi-enclosed fuses in older homes. [1]
The fuse rule
The wiring rules prohibit electrical workers from using a semi-enclosed rewireable fuse to replace a semi-enclosed rewireable fuse. In that situation the electrical worker must replace the fuse with a circuit breaker. [1]
When a switchboard is upgraded
Western Power’s Western Australian Service and Installation Requirements say that where a consumer’s supply arrangement or switchboard is upgraded, any existing rewireable fuse protection assemblies on that switchboard must be replaced with protection devices that comply with AS/NZS 3000 and the Western Power requirements. [2]
The document says its requirements apply to alterations, modifications or additions to existing electrical installations where a new, altered or upgraded network connection is required. [2]
Talk to us
Elysium Electrical Contractors is a licensed Perth electrical contractor, Licence EC 16523. We carry out switchboard upgrades. See our switchboard upgrades page. Call 08 9930 2061 or send us an enquiry.
Sources (read on 24 October 2026)
- Building and Energy, Switchboard panel repair work and asbestos safety (August 2024): wa.gov.au
- Western Power, Western Australian Service and Installation Requirements, Sixth edition 2023 Revision 3, April 2023, clauses 3.2 and 11.1.2.1: westernpower.com.au
Summary written by Elysium in our own words from the official fact sheet and Western Power requirements. Elysium is not connected to Building and Energy or Western Power.
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with Building and Energy on 1300 489 099.
