electricalforum.nz

Hi everyone,

I have a main switch board which a formica panel containing metering and porcelin fuses.

I am looking at removing existing fuses and installing a new surface mounted switchboard.

If I were to leave main switch and main earth bar intact will I still require inspection by a electrical inspector?

No. There's no "mains work" that's installation or alteration, so no high risk PEW.

Even if you change the main switch and the N&E bars, it's all still just 'replacement of fittings', so is classified by ESR 6A as low risk PEW.
In fact, even replacing the mains cable itself is still low risk PEW; no inspection required.

That said, some networks have a condition written into their contracts with consumers requiring inspection for anything that has the possibility of reversing polarity.

Don't forget that if replacing all outgoing circuit protection; you have to install RCDs as for a new installation [2.6.3.4].