Kota Damansara DB Box Upgrade Project
A few days before the job, we ordered two large DB boxes: one 59-way (16 ways per row × 3 rows, plus 11 ways and 1 MCCB slot) and one 75-way (16 ways per row × 4 rows, plus 11 ways and 1 MCCB slot).
Initially, we quoted only for plastic PVC DB boxes without an MCCB. However, after consulting with the solar company, they requested an MCCB followed by an RCCB to allow accurate energy readings from their CT clamps on the TNB incoming cables. To accommodate this, we decided to bring both DB box sizes to the site and choose the most suitable one. The customer also wanted to install a solar smart meter and an EV charger’s double-pole main switch with an RCCB inside the DB box, ensuring a neat and professional setup.
DB Box Preparation And Planning
We prepared cables and cable links in all the necessary sizes, including 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm, and 25mm, to ensure we have everything ready for any installation requirement. In addition, we prepared the required cable lugs and heat shrinks to complete the job efficiently. For every project, we focus on working properly and professionally, taking care to follow best practices and safety standards and avoiding shortcuts or the kinds of tricks that others sometimes use.
We arrived at the site around 11:45 a.m. and started work immediately. The first step when we arrive at the customer’s premises is to power on all major electrical loads, including air conditioners, water heaters, lights, ceiling fans and other appliances. We then use a socket tester to check every single power outlet in the house, to make sure that there are no tripping issues, loose connections or wiring faults before proceeding with the DB box replacement. These checks are important, as some homeowners mistakenly believe a DB upgrade alone will fix existing wiring faults, or they may withhold information about ongoing tripping problems. If these issues persist after the upgrade, customers could otherwise wrongly blame the electricians.
Sometimes, customers already experience tripping issues, short circuits or other wiring faults and they assume that simply upgrading the DB box will automatically solve these problems. In some cases, they may intentionally keep quiet about existing issues, not to inform the electricians beforehand. If the DB box is upgraded and tripping or other faults still occur, customers may blame the electricians and ask for immediate rectification, even though the issues existed prior to the upgrade.
The second step was to carefully label every single cable using masking tape and PVC tape for clear identification. For example, we marked the 10A MCB on the top row, number 1, as the lighting circuit, and the 20A MCB on the second row, number 5, as the water heater circuit. We carried out this labeling process for all the MCBs, RCCBs, and main switches to ensure proper circuit tracing and easy reference during and after the DB box upgrade.
Metalclad DB Box Installation And Cable Extension
The third step we brought in the new metalclad DB box and measure its dimensions against the installation space. This step was important because we needed to cut an opening at the back of the DB box to allow the incoming and outgoing cables to pass through neatly and be properly arranged. After that, we used cable links and heat shrink tubing to extend the cables whenever they were too short. This process was carried out carefully, one cable at a time for secure connections, proper insulation and a neat overall arrangement.
After about three hours, around 3:00 p.m., the customer came over to the DB area to have a look.
We noticed that five of the MCBs were sharing two cables each. We showed this to the customer and informed him that we would install separate MCBs for each cable to provide better safety and proper load distribution. He mentioned that he thought the work only involved removing the old DB, elcb and its components and then simply installing the new ones, which he expected would be very quick.
But when he saw us carefully checking and extending every single cable, with our whole body sweating heavily from the work. It was only at that moment that he realized we were not overcharging him. Initially, he thought that the quoted price of RM2900 was very expensive.
By 6pm, we finally completed extending all the cables. The owner came over and offered to order Grab food for us, but we preferred to finish the job first without taking a rest.
Final DB Testing and Completion
The last step was to terminate the cables into the MCBs accordingly. After that, we carried out a final check to confirm that all cables were correctly terminated. Once everything was verified, we switched on the MCCB, the RCCB and all the MCBs. After that, we used socket testers to check all the power points to make sure they were working properly. We also turned on all the home appliances, lights and fans to see if there were any issues. Everything functioned as it should be.
By the time we wrapped up, it was around 8:15 p.m. The customer was very satisfied with the results and even offered to write us a good review. He also wanted to pay extra for the five additional MCBs and add RM500 as a token of appreciation. But, we politely refused to accept the extra payment, as we believe in charging fairly and standing by our original quotation.
Is Your DB Box Ready for Solar and EV Chargers?
Call Alex at 012-870 2699 Today
If you are planning to install a solar system for your home and find that your current DB box does not have enough space to accommodate the required components, don’t worry, we can help. Our team provides DB box upgrade services with larger metalclad enclosures, offering sufficient slots for solar smart meters, RCCBs, MCCBs, EV charger switches, and even future expansions. By upgrading to a bigger DB box, you not only create room for additional devices but also keep the wiring neat, organized, and fully compliant with modern safety standards.
At the end of the day, electrical safety is something that should never be compromised. A properly upgraded DB box ensures that your system can handle today’s increasing demand from appliances, solar inverters, and EV chargers. In addition, proper earthing installation protects your family and property from dangerous fault currents and lightning surges. Through regular wiring inspections, Megger insulation resistance testing, and thermographic inspections, we can identify hidden risks before they develop into costly breakdowns or fire hazards. And if you are already facing frequent power trips, unexplained faults, or wiring issues, our electrical troubleshooting and wire tracing services provide accurate diagnostics and long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.
Do not wait until small problems turn into emergencies. Call Alex at 012-870 2699 for trusted, professional electrical services. We are ready to help you upgrade, protect and maintain your electrical system with the expertise, care, and workmanship it deserves.
