Upgrade Your Electric DB Box for a Safer Home in Subang Jaya
In Malaysia, more and more house fires are not caused by kitchen accidents or faulty appliances. Many are actually caused by old and overloaded DB boxes. In areas like Subang Jaya, many homes were built in the 1990s or earlier. Surprisingly, a lot of them are still using the original DB boxes that came with the house.
These old DB boxes were not made to handle today’s electricity needs. Most use plastic covers and very old MCB and ELCB parts. In some cases, the MCB does not even trip when there is an overload. This lets dangerous current continue flowing, which can overheat the wires and increase the risk of fire.
In many Subang homes, there is only one power socket in each room. To use more devices, people often plug in double extension cords with 5-hole adapters. Sometimes they connect 8 to 10 devices at once. This is very risky. It can make the plug overheat, melt the wires or even start a fire.
Upgrading your DB box is not just about following new rules. It is about keeping your family safe.
A modern DB box with good circuit breakers and proper wiring can prevent short circuits, stop extra current and lower the risk of fire. Now in 2025, it is the right time to replace old systems that no longer match your home and your lifestyle. Most importantly, it is the smart step to protect your loved ones.
What is a Distribution Board (DB Box)?
A DB Box (short for Distribution Board) is an important part of your home’s electrical system. It helps distribute electricity to different parts of the house and also keeps your home safe from electrical problems. Inside the DB box are several key safety components such as the Main Switch, Surge Protection Device (SPD), Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB), and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB). These components ensure that power is distributed safely, efficiently and reliably.
We usually install metal DB boxes (also called metal clad in Malaysia) because they are stronger, more heat-resistant, and safer during a fire compared to plastic ones. We recommend using trusted brands such as EPS, Maxguard, and Hager, which are well-known for their high quality, compliance with electrical safety standards and long-term durability.
Protect Your Family’s Safety with High Quality DB Box
Some low cost electrical work may use different brands and types of circuit breakers mixed together in one DB box. . It may look okay on the outside, but inside, there could be serious hidden dangers. If something goes wrong, the result could be very dangerous.
That’s why we only use trusted and certified brands like EPS, Maxguard, Hager, and ABB. These are high-quality products that can last more than 20 years with normal use. They’re safer, more reliable for your home and giving you more peace of mind.
What’s Inside a Modern DB Box?
1. MCB (Mini Circuit Breaker)
This protects each part of your home. We use C6 MCBs for lights and fans, and C16 MCBs for power sockets. If there’s too much electricity or a short circuit, the MCB will automatically cut off the power to prevent fire or damage.
2. RCCB / ELCB (Safety Switch)
Many people still call it ELCB, but most homes today use RCCB, which is more advanced.
- We use 40A 30mA RCCB for sockets
- 40A 100mA RCCB for lights and fans
If the system detects a problem like electricity leaking, it will trip and stop the power immediately. This helps to prevent electric shock or fire.
3. Main Switch
We use a 63A main switch that lets you shut down all electricity in the DB box quickly, useful during repairs or emergencies.
4. Busbar
This is the part that distributes electricity from the main switch to all the small breakers. It’s usually made of copper, which conducts electricity well and is safe.
5. SPD (Surge Protection Device)
The SPD protects your home from lightning strikes or sudden high voltage. It helps push the extra electricity safely into the ground so it doesn’t damage your appliances. It works together with a good earthing system.
6. DB Box Casing (Enclosure)
We always recommend using a metal box (called metal clad). It’s stronger, lasts longer and is much safer than plastic. It also reduces fire risk.
The DB box is like the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it is damaged, overloaded or poorly installed, it can put your entire family’s safety at risk. This is especially important for homes in Subang Jaya or older neighbourhoods where many houses are still using the original DB boxes installed decades ago. Upgrading your DB box is not just about meeting modern electrical standards. It is about keeping your loved ones safe.
Modern Homes Use More Power, Your DB Box Might Be Overloaded
Today, many families in Subang Jaya use more electricity than before. As children grow up, they have their own rooms with air-cond, computer, TV, iPad, printer and speakers. At the same time, parents are working from home and using their own air-cond, laptops and other devices. Now, it is common for the whole family to use a lot of electricity at the same time.
Since the MCO period, many people are used to working and studying from home. Parents join online meetings and children attend online classes or watch videos. This means electricity is used almost the whole day. But if your DB box is still the same one from 10 or 20 years ago, it might not handle this heavy load. This can cause problems like power tripping, unstable voltage or even fire.
We also see many homes using too many appliances in one socket. Some people plug in 3 or 4 devices using extension cords. This is very dangerous. The socket can overheat, burn or catch fire especially when the DB box is already old.
Modern homes have many new appliances that use a lot of power. These include autogates, air fryers, microwave ovens, robot vacuums, washing machines, dryers and smart home systems. If your electrical system is old and not upgraded, it can easily become overloaded. Do not wait for a problem to happen. Now is a good time to check and upgrade your DB box and earthing system. This helps keep your home safe and your family protected.
DB Box Often Trips or Smells Burnt? Call Mr Electrician Now
We have helped many homeowners in Subang Jaya and Klang Valley fix old or overloaded DB boxes. As houses get older and families use more appliances, many people start to face problems like tripping, messy wiring or even electrical fires.
Here are 12 common problems we see in old DB boxes. If your home has any one of these issues, it may be time to inspect or upgrade your DB box:
- Burnt smell or discolouration in the DB box
This is a warning sign of overheating, ageing or loose wires. It is very dangerous if ignored.
- Frequent tripping during lightning or rain
Old DB boxes often do not have surge protection so bad weather can cause power cuts.
- One breaker connected to many wires
Too many wires on one switch can cause loose connections, overheating or burning.
- Messy wiring inside the DB box
Tangled or unorganised wires can cause short circuits and make repair harder.
- Your house is 20 to 50 years old
Old DB boxes were not designed for today’s high electricity use.
- Air-cond causes tripping
If your air-cond trips the power, it could mean overload or old breakers.
- Washing machine trips the power
High-power appliances need strong circuits. Old DB boxes may not be able to handle them.
- Kitchen appliances cause tripping
Adding cooker hoods, ovens and hobs without upgrading the wiring can cause overloads.
- Vacuum cleaner causes tripping
Sudden high power load from vacuuming may be too much for an old DB box.
- More and more home appliances each year
Air-cond, smart TV, computers, air fryer and water filters all add up and overload old systems.
- No labels or separate circuit breakers
If you cannot tell which switch controls which area, that is a safety risk.
- No RCCB (leakage breaker) installed
Bathrooms and kitchens are wet areas. Without RCCB, leakage can cause electric shock.
If your home shows any of these signs, do not ignore them. Call a qualified electrician to inspect or upgrade your DB box. Protect your home and your loved ones before it is too late.
Ready to Upgrade Your DB Box or Fix Electrical Issues in Subang?
If your DB box keeps tripping, looks old, cannot handle your appliances, has any of the problems listed above or has no more space for new circuits, it is time to act.
Whether you need a quick DB box repair or a full upgrade, we are based in Subang Jaya and ready to get the job done safely, efficiently and professionally.
We also provide a complete range of electrical services including earthing system upgrades, troubleshooting, autogate wiring, Megger testing, new home wiring checks, full house wiring and rewiring, lightning and surge protection systems and LST (Lightning Strike Trap) installations.
Call Alex at 012-870 2699 to ask questions or book an electrical inspection.
