Switchboards13 October 2026

Suspected Asbestos in a Meter Panel: What to Do Before Electrical Work

A photograph cannot confirm asbestos. Flag a suspected panel before any meter or board work and let appropriately qualified professionals plan the next step.

Older electrical control panel with meters and fuses; material composition is not identified

Illustrative stock photograph; not a Smart Meter Australia installation.

Australian Owned & Operated

NSW Level 2 ASP

Licensed Electricians

Fully Insured

AS/NZS 3000 Compliant Work

Ausgrid Service Area

Endeavour Energy Service Area

Essential Energy Service Area

Residential, Commercial and Strata

Work completed in accordance with applicable NSW network, metering and electrical requirements.

Do not diagnose the panel by colour or age

Asbestos was historically used in electrical backing panels and other electrical components. A building’s age or a panel’s appearance may prompt caution, but neither confirms its composition. SafeWork NSW says laboratory testing is the way to establish whether a material contains asbestos and recommends professional sample collection.

Treat suspected material as asbestos until properly assessed. Do not drill, scrape, sand, cut, remove fixings or take a sample yourself. Do not open the electrical assembly to photograph the back of the panel. The illustrative photo on this guide shows older electrical equipment; it is not a visual diagnostic example of asbestos.

Tell the electrical contractor before the visit

Explain the proposed work and any known asbestos information when requesting a quote. At a workplace, provide the relevant asbestos register and management information to the responsible contractors. If there is an existing assessment or laboratory report, share it so the planning starts from documented facts rather than a guess.

A routine meter exchange and a panel replacement involve different activities. The team must establish whether the planned work would disturb suspected material and what assessment, controls or removal are required. A small panel should not be treated as permission for DIY removal, particularly where live electrical equipment is involved.

Confirm qualified assessment and removal arrangements

SafeWork NSW recommends a licensed asbestos professional to assess or remove any amount of asbestos. Licensing requirements depend on the material and work; electrical qualifications alone do not establish asbestos-removal qualifications. Ask who will assess the material, who will undertake any removal and what documentation applies before the job starts.

Our switchboard replacement planning service can review the electrical scope and coordinate the panel-related requirements with the appropriate professionals. Do not infer that Smart Meter Australia holds a separate asbestos-removal licence from its electrical service description.

Include these items in the work plan

Professional assessment and any testing needed before disturbance.
Responsible asbestos contractor, access controls and occupant arrangements.
Electrical isolation and reinstatement by appropriately authorised providers.
Waste handling, required clearance documentation and final electrical testing.

Sequence the work without rushing disturbance

Agree the preparation and interruption plan with all providers. A meter appointment may need to follow assessment, removal and replacement-panel works, not happen before them. Occupants, tenants and other trades should understand any restricted areas and when they can return under the professional work plan.

If the panel has already been damaged or material disturbed, stop nearby work, keep people away and obtain professional advice. Do not sweep, vacuum or pressure-clean suspected debris. For an immediate electrical danger, keep clear and contact emergency services or the distributor as appropriate. Safety controls take priority over retaining the original appointment date.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Can a photo prove a meter panel contains asbestos?

No. Appearance and age cannot confirm composition. SafeWork NSW recommends professional assessment and laboratory testing where identification is required.

Can I collect a small sample myself?

Do not disturb the panel or electrical equipment. Arrange a qualified asbestos professional; sampling also needs to account for the electrical hazards.

Does a Level 2 electrical accreditation cover asbestos removal?

No. Electrical and asbestos-removal qualifications are separate. Confirm the qualifications of the contractor assigned to each part of the work.

RELATED SERVICES

Switchboard Upgrades

Full compliance upgrades to ensure your switchboard meets current network standards.

Learn More

Plan a safe panel and board replacement

Flag suspected asbestos early so assessment, electrical works and any specialist removal can be scheduled in the correct order.

View switchboard upgrade planning

NEED THIS SORTED?

Level 2 ASP accredited on Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy. Free quotes, honest advice.

CALL 0466 125 125