DB Box Repair and Replacement for Terrace Houses in USJ 12

We recently received an enquiry from Mr. Lim from the USJ 12 area regarding a DB box issue in his terrace house, which is more than 35 years old. The power tripped frequently whenever too many appliances were in use. He mentioned that the problem often occurred after the air conditioner ran for more than half an hour or when using an electric iron, with lights flickering just before the trip. Some of the breakers in the DB box were also found to be loose, and there had been a buzzing sound with a flash of white light before the previous power trip. At the moment, Mr. Lim is only using a few appliances to avoid overloading the system. He does not dare to turn on the air conditioner at all. It is also noted that his home does not have a water heater, which indicates that the tripping is more likely caused by circuit imbalance or loose connections rather than heavy power consumption alone.

These signs indicate a serious safety risk. The combination of a very old DB box, loose breakers, and buzzing with flashes of white light suggests that the electrical system is deteriorating. Continuing to use the DB in its current state increases the risk of frequent trips, electrical faults or even fire hazards, making urgent inspection and repair necessary.

Subang Terrace House DB Box with Old MCB & Isolator

Mr. Lim’s existing DB box is more than 35 years old and uses an outdated model, FI 68/63/2/0.1, with the following specifications:

• Rated Current (In): 63A
• Rated Residual Operating Current (IΔn): 0.1A
• Rated Voltage (Un): 240V
• Poles: 2

The isolator installed in the same DB box is an F & S 63A unit. Both the RCD and main switch are old-generation components that no longer meet current electrical safety standards. Over time, their internal contacts and mechanical parts can degrade, leading to reduced fault sensitivity, nuisance tripping, and in some cases, failure to isolate power during a fault. Combined with loosened breakers and aged wiring, these conditions can compromise both safety and reliability, especially in a home that has been in use for over three decades.

In situations like this, the cost of DB box repair or replacement depends on several factors, including the condition of the existing wiring, the number of circuits, and whether the upgrade involves installing new MCBs, RCCB or surge protection devices. Our standard procedure includes a detailed on-site inspection to determine whether the system can be restored through tightening and partial replacement, or if a complete DB box upgrade is required. After the inspection, a clear and transparent quotation will be provided, ensuring that the new installation delivers safe operation, proper load balancing and compliance with modern electrical standards.

Expert DB Box upgrade and Electrical Troubleshooting

After inspecting Mr. Lim’s terrace house in the USJ 12 area, we recommended a full DB box replacement along with upgrades to ensure safety and reliability. He agreed to the quotation of RM 1900 immediately, understanding the importance of replacing his very old DB box, main switch and MCBs.

The quoted price covers work at the DB box only and does not include additional wiring work. It includes the following services:

• Air conditioner trip troubleshooting
• Power point troubleshooting
• All socket plugs testing
• Earth resistance measurement
• Cable extension using cable link and heat shrink if the existing cables are too short

This comprehensive service doesn’t just replace the DB box with modern EPS or ABB MCBs, RCCB and main switch. It also ensures the entire household electrical system is tested and secured, helping prevent future trips, loose connections or other hazards. By addressing the root causes, homeowners like Mr. Lim can enjoy a safer, more reliable electrical system while complying with modern safety standards.

Frequent DB Trips and Electrical Issues? Call Alex 012 – 870 2699

If you are facing the same electrical issues, such as frequent DB trips, air conditioner trips, water heater trips, whole-house trips when turning on lights, buzzing sounds, burning smells or an overheating DB box, it is a clear sign that your electrical system needs urgent inspection and repair. Other common warning signs to watch out for include flickering lights, sparking or arcing at outlets, faulty power points, frequent fuse blowouts, old or exposed wiring and inconsistent power supply. Ignoring these issues can lead to appliance damage, electrical fires or serious safety hazards, so it is important to have a qualified electrician assess and resolve the problem promptly.

For any of these electrical issues, do not wait until the wiring problem worsens. Call Alex at 012-870 2699 for a thorough home wiring inspection, DB box replacement and professional electrical wiring troubleshooting.