Circuit Breaker Services
Table of Contents:
1. What is a circuit breaker?
2. Role of the circuit breaker
3. Type of Circuit breaker problems in Singapore
4. Troubleshooting your household circuit breaker
5. How to prevent circuit breaker trips?
6. Signs of a faulty circuit breaker
What is a circuit breaker?
Background of Main Circuit Breaker in the HDB flats of Singapore
Electrical wiring configurations may vary for different types of HDB units in Singapore. Most of the time, the main power supply enters the apartment via the Main Circuit Breaker (MCB), located next to the electricity meter outside the HDB unit. The flat receives electricity from an internal wiring cabinet called the Distribution Board (also known as the Fuse Box). This Distribution Board then divides power into many smaller circuits, which sends power to various parts of the flat. An electrical circuit breaker or fuse then protects each circuit and limits the amount of energy that each wire can transport to the various electrical devices in the flat. The MCB will cut off the power supply to any HDB unit drawing too much power, reducing the chance of electrical fires or blackouts within the HDB block.
At EM Electrical Engineering, we have a team of experienced electricians dealing with replacement, repair and installation of circuit breakers. Feel free to contact us if you require certified circuit breaker services in Singapore.
Role of a Circuit Breaker
Most electrical systems in flats have a circuit breaker which ensures that users do not overload the power circuits and that wires do not carry more power than the wires can safely handle. When excessive power is drawn from a given circuit (due to a defective electrical appliance or when too many devices are plugged into the same circuit), the circuit breaker will trip the circuit and cut off all electricity to prevent damage to the device, electrocution of the user, and overheating of the device or even electrical fires. Circuit breakers and fuses both provide the same protection. During a power surge, they stop the power flow. However, the downside of fuses is that they have to be replaced every time they have been operated in an open circuit, while a circuit breaker simply needs to be reset.
Typical Circuit Breakers Problems
1. Bad Wiring or loose connections- This could cause flickering lights and power failures. Loose connections may be caused by general wear and tear of the electrical wiring, which can cause increased resistance. This increased resistance then generates heat that can lead to overheating of the wires. If faced with such problems, look for visible loose wiring. If you are unsure or not trained to fix wiring issues, you should engage a licensed electrician for assistance.
2. Overloaded circuit –This can lead to power failures, electrical fires which could put people at risk of injury.
3. Short circuit – Live electrical wires may overheat and melt the outer insulation case protecting the wire, leading to short circuits. Also, when live wires touch a grounded or neutral wire or other unintended conductors, a short circuit might occur, and this might lead to electrical fires.
4. Defective electrical devices – These devices may draw excess electricity in surges, tripping circuit breakers.
Troubleshooting your household circuit breaker
General Troubleshoot Steps
1. If in doubt, contact a licensed electrician for assistance, as trying to fix wiring problems without proper knowledge or training is dangerous.
2. Ensure that your family is safe and evacuate them outside the house in the worst case of an electrical fire. Ensure that children are not in the vicinity while trying to troubleshoot your circuit breaker.
3. Look for a grey metal circuit breaker box (DB Box) – which is usually outside your home or in a closet, then look for the circuit breaker.
4. Turn off the lights and all other appliances in your flat.
5. Test the electrical breaker – The circuit breaker might have labels for which part of the house it supplies the electricity to (e.g. Master Bedroom, Kitchen). Switch to the ON position for the relevant lever. A loose lever might indicate that your circuit breaker should be replaced.
6. If your circuit breaker trips again shortly after, you will need to contact an electrician.
7. Please be careful that the floor is not wet when touching any electrical panels as there may be a risk of electrocution.
8. Typically, circuit breakers trip because of excess energy drawn from too many appliances and overloading of the circuit happens. If the circuit breaker trips regularly, try disconnecting heavy power consuming appliances like the fridge to see if it helps.
9. If the circuit no longer trips, try to connect the heavy power consuming appliances to a different source to resolve the problem of overloading.
If these trouble shooting steps doesn’t work, fret not! EM Electrical Engineering provides reliable and certified circuit breaker services in Singapore, ranging from electrical repair to replacement. With our team of reliable electricians that are highly experienced, we offer top-notch circuit breaker services. As your preferred circuit breaker contractor, we pride ourselves with using high standards of electrical products and high-quality workmanship to ensure that your circuit breaker problems do not recur.
Replacing a Faulty Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers tend to last a long time, but circuit breakers can get worn out over time and after several reuses and can break or malfunction. It is very dangerous to replace the blown fuse or faulty circuit breaker with a circuit breaker that has a higher rating. If the wiring in that circuit is not the appropriate rating/size for that higher rating, the excessive current carried will cause overheating or electrical fires.
How to prevent circuit breaker trips
- Unplug electrical appliances that are not being used. Electricity can still flow through electrical wirings in an appliance even when turned off.
- During hotter weather, be aware of the number of electrical appliances plugged in as it may worsen the problem of overheating.
- Look for damaged, melted, scorched or frayed wires/cords for appliances. Keep the cords in the best condition possible. Avoid overstretching wires, bending them or placing heavy or sharp objects in contact with them.
Signs of a Faulty Circuit Breaker
- It stays in the “ON” position but supplies no current to the circuit. Use a multi-meter to measure the voltage at the circuit breaker. There will be no voltage if the circuit breaker is bad.
- It trips, and after reset, trips again immediately.
- It trips, and after reset, stays on, then trips again within a few hours
- It is hot in temperature or giving a burning smell
- It is showing signs of damage such as charred material or frayed wires.
EM Electrical Engineering offers reliable and professional one-stop electrical services with top-notch electrical products and quality workmanship. Our electrical services ranges from emergency service for power failure in Singapore, electrical installations, electrical troubleshooting and electrical repairs. Head over to our reviews page to read what our customers have said about our electrical services and the articles featuring our high-quality electrical services. Call us today at +65 9395 3311 for a non-obligatory electrical troubleshooting or reach us at emelectricalengrg@hotmail.com and we will assign a reliable electrician to attend to your electrical problems in Singapore.
