Customer Hiding the Truth: The Real Problem Was the Water Heater Wiring

Last week, I got a call from a homeowner on Old Klang Road. Their water heater had been having problems, constantly tripping whenever they tried to turn it on. The homeowner even called the water heater manufacturer to send a technician to check it and the technician confirmed that the heater itself was fine. The real problem was the wiring.

But the customer didn’t tell us the full truth. He told me that he just wanted to move the water heater switch from the second bedroom to the small living hall, so the third bedroom could share the same switch and control the heater. According to him, the water heater was working fine. He even said he just used it this morning for a shower.

But when we arrived on site, it was a completely different story. As soon as we entered, we smelled something burning. Looking closer, the water heater switch was already burned black. It felt suspicious, so we asked the homeowner for the technician’s contact number to verify if the heater was really okay. At first, he refused to give it. Many times, the problem isn’t the water heater itself but poor wiring or overloaded switches. It looks fine on the surface, but the danger is already there. If left unchecked, it could not only damage appliances but also start a fire. We told him straight, if he didn’t give us the number, we would leave. Finally, he had no choice but to hand it over the number. From the start, we sensed the customer wasn’t telling the whole truth, and something seemed off.

Water Heater Technician Reveals the Truth

Luckily, we insisted on getting the number, which allowed us to speak directly with the technician. He told us:

• Technician came last month and noticed the wiring was burned.
• The homeowner says a wireman already checks it.
• The problem was never fixed. The wires were never replaced.
• This time, the issue gets worsened. The water heater itself was burned and the neutral wire was carrying 230V.

When we tested, we confirmed that the neutral wire was live at 230V. Normally, it should be zero volts. This shows the wiring was seriously faulty, and the water heater was no longer safe to use. What the technician told us matched exactly what we saw and measured. The technician didn’t lie. The homeowner did.

Further Home Wiring Inspection: It’s Not Just the Water Heater

We opened the distribution box (DB Box) and performed a Megger insulation test. The results showed that many wires were leaking electricity. Megger insulation testing measures the insulation quality of wires and appliances. It helps detect aging, damaged or leaking wires. Many people try to prevent tripping by using an RCCB with lower sensitivity, but that is risky. A low-sensitivity RCCB might not detect real leaks and can fail to protect people in case of an electrical fault.

Next, we used a thermography meter to inspect the DB Box and key circuits. We found several MCBs and wires overheating, indicating high current load, uneven current distribution or poor contact. This could burn out the circuit or even cause a fire. Thermography shows the temperature of each part of the circuit in real time, helping us identify hidden hot spots. We also found several plugs and sockets overheating, likely due to poor contact, aging or excessive load. Long-term, this can reduce the lifespan of electrical components, degrade insulation, and increase the risk of short circuits and fires. Thermography allows us to pinpoint each hotspot and take corrective measures, like replacing overheated MCBs, fixing wiring connections, redistributing load, or upgrading wires. This ensures the whole home’s electrical system is stable and safe.

We also found that each room and lighting circuit should have independent wiring, but in this home, the wires were all looped together. Every room had a computer, TV and air cond. Ideally, the computer and TV in each room can share a circuit, but the air cond must have its own independent circuit. It should never be shared with other rooms or appliances. To make matters worse, they were using multiple extension cords, adding extra load. If these issues aren’t fixed soon, the problem isn’t just the water heater. The safety of the whole house’s electricity is at risk.

Proper Water Heater Wiring Setup

In Malaysia, the correct setup for a water heater is:

• Give the water heater its own independent line, separate from sockets or air cond.
• Use at least 4mm² copper wire to handle the heater’s high load.
• Install an independent MCB, 16A, 20A, or 25A depending on the heater’s power.
• Install an RCCB, usually 25A with 10mA sensitivity, to detect leaks. This ensures that if the heater has a leak, the RCCB trips immediately, protecting people while leaving other circuits unaffected.

In short, MCB protects against overload or short circuit. RCCB protects against leakage. Both are necessary for safe water heater use.

Why Cheap Electricians Are Dangerous

Some people hire the cheapest electrician to save money. The result is cutting corners:

• Using wires that are too thin, 1.5mm² or 2.5mm², unable to carry the heater’s current.
• Sharing a single wire with air conditioners or sockets.
• No independent MCB, sometimes even connecting to lighting circuits.
• Using cheap or fake parts.

It may seem fine at first, but long-term consequences are serious. Wires overheat, insulation melts, circuits may short. MCBs and RCCBs may fail within months. Leakage currents may quietly increase your electricity bill. Worst of all, there is a real risk of electric shock, putting your family’s safety at risk. To stay safe and ensure long-term use, never go cheap. Always hire anexperienced electrician.

Water Heater Old or Tripping? Check It Now Before It’s Too Late

The water heater is part of daily life and directly affects your family’s safety. Don’t take it lightly. If your heater often trips, sockets smell burnt, or wiring looks old or overheated, don’t wait and hope for the best. Leakage, overloaded circuits, or wiring faults could start a fire and threaten lives. Contact a professional electrician for a full inspection. We are fully equipped, have advanced tools, and are highly experienced. We can quickly check your wires, sockets, and DB Box, find hidden hazards, and provide the best solution to ensure your water heater and home wiring are safe and stable. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Alex now at 012-870 2699 and schedule a check today. Let your family use the water heater safely and enjoy a secure, stable electricity supply.