Is Your Home’s Electrical System Still Stuck in the Past?

Many homeowners in KL and Selangor are unaware that one of the biggest hidden dangers in their homes is their old, outdated DB (distribution board) box. If your home was built in the 60s, 70s or even the 80s and the DB box has never been upgraded there’s a high chance your electrical system is no longer safe.

Over the years, we’ve seen countless cases where homes still rely on the original DB box that came with the house. These old systems typically use plastic enclosures, outdated MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers), and old-school ELCBs (Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers) that often fail to trip when they should. This means dangerous currents may continue flowing even when the circuit is overloaded greatly increasing the risk of fire.

Many homeowners also use extension cords and multiple gang sockets in every room to make up for the lack of power points. In some cases, we’ve seen up to 10 devices running off one wall socket using double or triple extensions. This type of setup is extremely hazardous, as it can easily cause overheating, melted wiring, or even electrical fires, especially if the DB box hasn’t been upgraded to handle modern power loads.

And if that fire happens while you’re asleep? It may already be too late to act by the time you notice it. That’s why upgrading your DB box isn’t just a technical task it’s about protecting lives.

What Exactly Is a DB Box?

A DB box, also known as a distribution board, is the core of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to different parts of your house while protecting each circuit from overloads and faults.

A standard modern DB box contains:

1. Main Switch (Isolator Switch)

• Function: Manually disconnects the electricity supply to the entire DB box during emergencies or maintenance.
• We typically use a 63A double pole isolator for reliable disconnection.

2. MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers)

• Function: Automatically trip when there’s an overload or short circuit to prevent wiring damage and fire.
• Common types:
  • C6 MCBs – For lighting and fan circuits.
  • C16 MCBs – For power sockets and appliances.

3. RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker)

• Replaces the now outdated ELCB technology.
• Function: Detects imbalance in live and neutral currents, typically caused by earth leakage.
• We use:
  • 40A 30mA RCCB for power outlets.
  • 40A 100mA RCCB for lighting and fans.

Note: Many people still refer to ELCBs, but modern systems now use RCCBs, which are far more reliable and sensitive to faults.

4. Busbars

• Function: Distributes electricity evenly from the main source to each individual breaker.
• Material: High-conductivity copper for long-lasting performance and safety.

5. SPD (Surge Protection Device)

• Function: Absorbs voltage spikes from lightning or power surges, protecting sensitive electronics and appliances.
• Installed in conjunction with proper earthing systems to ensure maximum effectiveness.

6. Enclosure (Casing)

• Houses and protects all internal components.
• We use metal-clad enclosures for better fire resistance, durability, and compliance with safety standards.

We recommend trusted brands like EPS, Maxguard, ABB, and Hager, depending on your budget but we never compromise on safety. We avoid mixing cheap components from different manufacturers, as it creates a “rojak” setup that may look okay on the surface, but is a disaster waiting to happen.

Why Old DB Boxes Can’t Handle Modern Homes

Back in the day, a single fan, one light, and maybe a TV were the norm. Fast forward to 2025, and every room is likely packed with energy-hungry devices air conditioners, laptops, gaming consoles, tablets, printers, soundbars, and more.

Today’s families use far more power than ever before, and most older DB boxes were never designed to handle this kind of demand. Here’s how lifestyle changes have outgrown the original electrical systems:

• Each family member now has a separate room with their own AC, lights, and devices.
• Appliances like air fryers, juicers, washing machines, ovens, and autogate systems are now common in every home.
• The work-from-home culture means simultaneous use of computers, monitors, and power strips in multiple rooms.

Without a proper DB upgrade, this load will cause:

• Frequent tripping
• Overheated sockets
• Loose wiring
• And in worst-case scenarios electrical fires

12 Warning Signs That Your DB Box Needs an Upgrade

If you’re not sure whether your DB box is still up to standard, here are 12 common signs that it may be time to replace or upgrade it:

1. Your home is over 20–50 years old – The electrical infrastructure is outdated.
2. Power trips during storms or heavy rain – Likely caused by the lack of surge protection.
3. Tripping when switching on air conditioning – Indicates circuit overload or faulty breakers.
4. Washing machine trips the power – Signals the system can’t handle high current devices.
5. Kitchen appliances (oven, hood, hob) cause shutdowns – A sign your kitchen’s electrical load isn’t properly managed.
6. Vacuum cleaner trips the circuit – Sudden current draw overwhelms weak breakers.
7. More appliances added over time – The system hasn’t been upgraded to match.
8. Messy or tangled wiring inside the DB box – Increases risk of electrical faults and short circuits.
9. No circuit labeling or individual MCBs – Makes maintenance and fault isolation difficult and unsafe.
10. No RCCB (or still using ELCB) – Inadequate protection against electrical shocks.
11. Multiple wires stuffed into one MCB – Unsafe practice that can lead to overheating.
12. Burning smell coming from DB box or MCBs – This is a red alert. Immediate inspection is needed before it leads to fire.

Why Use Only Quality Components?

High-quality circuit breakers and DB components can last 15–20 years with consistent, reliable performance. Cheap, unbranded, or mixed parts often lead to erratic behavior, constant tripping, or worse failure to trip during an overload.

That’s why we only install full systems using components from one trusted brand, matched to your home’s power load. No shortcuts. No compromises.

Ready to Upgrade Your DB Box or Fix Electrical Issues?

If your DB box keeps tripping, looks outdated, can’t support your appliances, shows any of the issues above or has no space to add more power points, it’s time to take action.

Whether you need a quick DB repair or a complete upgrade, We are in Ampang and ready to get the job done efficiently, safely and professionally.

We also offer a full range of electrical services, including earthing solutions, electrical troubleshooting, new home wiring inspections, autogate wiring, Megger testing, full house wiring and rewiring, Lightning Strike Trap (LST) systems, lightning and surge protection, and earthing system installations.

Call Alex at 012-870 2699 for more information.