Singapore Plumbing Works

Importance of a Functioning Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers, also known as the electric circuit breaker (CB), are essential components designed to protect electrical circuits from damage due to power overloads or short circuits.

When too much power is drawn from a circuit, whether by a faulty appliance or an excessive number of devices, the circuit breaker trips, cutting off electricity to prevent damage or hazards such as overheating and fires.

Unlike fuses, which need replacement once they blow out, circuit breakers are reusable, offering sustainable protection against power surges and electrical faults.

Types of Circuit Breakers & Their Ratings

There are a few different kinds of switches located within our Distribution Board (DB) Box or Electrical Panel.

1. Electric Circuit Breaker (CB):
   • This switch is designed to interrupt current flow when a fault condition is detected, protecting the electrical circuit from damage.
   • Different devices require circuit breakers with varying ratings.
   • Higher-wattage household appliances like air conditioners need higher-rated circuit breakers, typically around 20A.
   • Less power hungry devices like our televisions, lightings, computers can have circuit breakers of lower ratings, typically 10A or 16A
2. Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB), Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB), Residual Current Device (RCD):
   • These devices detect small current imbalances between Live and Neutral wires.
   • They will trip and cut off electricity supply immediately if current leakage surpasses a certain threshold, usually around 30mA.
   • RCDs provide protection to individual or multiple circuits, ensuring safety without disrupting the entire house’s power supply.
3. Surge Protector:
   • Optional surge protectors safeguard devices from power supply spikes.
   • They are especially crucial in areas with poor earthing and frequent lightning occurrences, offering an additional layer of protection against electrical hazards.

Why Replace Faulty Circuit Breaker

While circuit breakers typically have a long lifespan, they can degrade over time or malfunction due to wear and tear. Replacing faulty circuit breakers is essential to maintain electrical safety within the home.

• Wear and Tear: After repeated use, circuit breakers may wear out, break, or malfunction, compromising their ability to protect the electrical system effectively.
• Safety Concerns: Faulty circuit breakers pose significant safety risks, including overheating and potential fires. Replacing them promptly is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure household safety.

In 2016, a 15-year-old boy in Singapore was electrocuted while showering in his HDB flat. The improper wiring of a water heater to a three-pin plug was behind the death. Tragically, the flat’s circuit breaker was faulty and failed to cut off the electrical supply as it should, to prevent the electrocution.

As seen from the above incident, for the safety of our family, it is very important for us to regularly check that our circuit breakers are working properly. If any fault is detected, get them replaced immediately by a reliable electrician.

Signs of a Faulty Circuit Breaker

1. No Current Supply: A circuit breaker that remains in the “ON” position but supplies no current to the circuit may indicate a fault. Use a multimeter to measure voltage at the circuit breaker. There will be no voltage if the circuit breaker is bad.
2. Immediate Tripping: If a circuit breaker trips immediately after resetting, it suggests a malfunction or overload.
3. Intermittent Tripping: Circuit breakers that trip intermittently, even after reset, indicate potential faults within the system.
4. Physical Signs of Damage: Visual cues such as charred material, frayed wires, or a burning smell from the circuit breaker are clear indicators of a fault and necessitate immediate replacement.

Prioritising Electrical Safety

Replacing your faulty circuit breakers as soon as possible is very important for electrical safety.

By understanding the importance of circuit breakers, recognizing signs of faults, and promptly replacing malfunctioning devices, homeowners can safeguard their families and properties from electrical hazards.

Engaging a professional electrical services provider like Singapore Plumbing Works ensures proper installation and reliable protection against potential dangers, providing peace of mind for all at home.

We love to hear from you. Contact us today for a free quote and let us do the work for you!