The Hidden Danger in Older Homes
If your Sydney home was built before 2003, there's a good chance your electrical switchboard has an asbestos backing panel. These black Zelemite boards were standard in Australian electrical installations for decades—and they're now a serious health hazard.
The danger isn't the panel sitting there. It's when someone drills into it, cuts it, or disturbs it during an upgrade. Asbestos fibres become airborne and can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis—diseases that kill thousands of Australians every year.
We provide complete asbestos panel removal and replacement services. We don't just upgrade your switchboard—we eliminate the hazard entirely, following strict EPA protocols for containment and disposal.
Our Safety Protocol
- Visual inspection & asbestos identification
- Full site containment with plastic sheeting
- PPE: P2 respirators, disposable coveralls
- Wet removal technique (minimises fibre release)
- Double-bagging for EPA-compliant disposal
- Site decontamination & air clearance
- New non-hazardous backing board installation
- Compliance certificate provided
Never Drill Into an Old Switchboard Panel
If you need additional circuits or a switchboard upgrade and your panel looks like dark grey/black compressed fibre board, do not let anyone drill into it without proper asbestos testing and removal procedures. Many general electricians aren't trained in asbestos handling—we are.
CASE STUDY
Safe Removal & Upgrade
This Eastern Suburbs home had a 1970s switchboard with a confirmed asbestos backing panel. The homeowner wanted to upgrade to a modern safety switch board but was rightly concerned about the asbestos.
We isolated the power, set up full containment, and carefully removed the asbestos panel using wet removal techniques. After disposal at a licensed facility, we installed a new board with RCBOs on every circuit. The home is now both safe and compliant.
Asbestos Panel Present
Dark Zelemite backing board, ceramic fuses, no safety switches.
Modern Safety Board
Non-hazardous backing, RCBOs on all circuits, fully compliant.
How to Identify Asbestos Panels
Not sure if your switchboard has asbestos? Here are the signs to look for.
Age of Home
Built before 2003? Asbestos was commonly used in electrical installations until the early 2000s.
Panel Appearance
Dark grey or black compressed fibre board behind your fuses? This is likely Zelemite—an asbestos product.
Ceramic Fuses
If you still have porcelain/ceramic rewirable fuses, the backing panel is almost certainly asbestos-containing.
TRUST
Why Choose Local Electrical?
Trained & Certified
Our team holds current asbestos awareness certification and follows SafeWork NSW guidelines for all removals.
Complete Service
Removal and switchboard upgrade in one visit. No need to coordinate multiple trades—we handle everything.
Same-Day Completion
Most asbestos panel removals and switchboard upgrades are completed within a single day.
Get a Fast Quote
No call centers. Speak directly to the electricians who will do the job. Fill out the form or call us for an immediate response.
Operating Hours
24/7 Emergency Service
Standard Hours: Mon-Sat, 7am - 5pm
Service Area
Sydney Wide
Focusing on Residential & Industrial Hubs