Asbestos switchboard removal – what you need to know

You’ve just bought your home and the reno list is quickly piling up. With a limited budget and limited time, where should you start? Many older homes have outdated switchboards that can’t keep up with the demands of modern households. The increased demand in power can expose exisiting electrical issues and even lead to electrical fires.

Older electrical switchboard panels, may also contain hazardous asbestos materials – bonded, friable, non-friable or asbestos coal tar pitch. When disturbed, these materials can pose significant health risks.

If you’re concerned about the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system, especially if you suspect your switchboard might be outdated or contain asbestos, it’s time to take action.

Schedule a consultation with us today.

Why is it important to upgrade my old switchboard?

Your switchboard is key to safely powering everything in your home including lights, appliances, EV chargers and solar inverters. Your switchboard should safely distribute power to all your circuits and more importantly, protect you and your home from electrocution and electrical fires.

Modern electrical protection is designed to detect both minor and major faults. They will instantly cut power to the affected circuit thus eliminating the immediate hazard and providing a clear signal that there is an electrical fault. Additionally, surge diverters located at the switchboard will protect all the appliances in the house from power surges and lightning strikes.

Upgrade to a modern switchboard for a safer home.

The dangers of asbestos in switchboards

Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres can cause significant health risks. It was banned from all uses in 2003 due to it causing asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. To maintain your home’s safety, it’s vital to have a specialist inspect and professionally remove any asbestos containing materials from your switchboard.

How to know if your switchboard has asbestos

Switchboards installed before 2003 are at risk of containing asbestos. In general, the older the house and switchboard, the more likely that asbestos will be present. If your switchboard has had any maintenance, it may have an asbestos sticker warning of the presence and danger.

Bonded (non-friable) asbestos was widely used in switchboard and meter panels. They are generally black in colour and are sometimes stamped with the trade name Ausbestos, Lebah, Miscolite or Zelemeite. Friable asbestos was widely used for lining the inside of switchboard enclosures and fuses and are often off-white in colour. Friable asbestos containing materials are prone to becoming airborne. Both friable and non-friable asbestos pose a health risk.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos from my switchboard?

Removing asbestos from your switchboard should be treated as a priority.

As a guide, you should expect to pay upwards from $300 for the removal and replacement of an asbestos fuse and upwards of $2000 for removal of asbestos panels and installation of new switchgear.

We’re here to recommend a safe and suitable solution to your particular switchboard. As level 2 electricians trained in asbestos handling, we can remove all asbestos containing materials and install the latest protective switchgear to protect your home and family.

Who can remove the asbestos from my switchboard?

The handling and removal of asbestos switchboard panels must be conducted by licenced electricians trained in working with asbestos containing materials(ACM). Strict safety control measures must be put in place to prevent asbestos dust from contaminating the air in your home.

If you need professional assistance with your switchboard to ensure safe removal and installation, schedule here today.

Decontaminating the job site

Ensuring the site is thoroughly decontaminated after work is just as critical as implementing safety measures during the task. This is to guarantee that all traces of asbestos are eradicated, posing no future risks.

Key steps include:

• adhering to the ‘NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017’ for proper waste disposal
• removal of any asbestos dust with the use of H Class vacuums
• wiping down the contaminated area using wet wipes
• decontaminating all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE ) and tools
• correct storage and handling of affected waste in double bagged heavy duty plastic

Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises

We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.

To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.

Why Choose Valour Services?

When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:

• Take the time to understand your specific requirements
• Tailor a solution for you
• Deliver quality workmanship
• Provide exceptional value
• Be available for questions, after service and warranty

Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.