Help : Frequent Power Trip

[kst 0]

Hi,

I have been staying at my 'new' place for close to 10 months now.

During this period, I have experienced multiple power trips (almost 5-6 times).

Most of them happened during rainy days and my unit is on the highest floor (18th floor).

However, my 2 neighbours does not have the same problem.

The power trip is everytime trigger by the blue color switch in the power panel (see photo below).

My previous reno electrician checked and he suspect that blue switch is too sensitive and suggest

an option to try resolve this issue is to replace the blue switch which will cost $100+.

Please note that the power panel is the old one (this is a resale flat) - should be around 9+ years old.

I would like to get a 2nd opinion from another electrician.

Anyone can recommend a good and honest electrician ?

Anyone encountered similar problem and how do you resolve it ?

Here is the blue color switch I'm referring to :

Thanks.

[therat 18]

normally freq power trip is due to

1. overloaded

2. wire age

[kst 0]

normally freq power trip is due to

1. overloaded

2. wire age

My reno electrician checked and don't see any problem with loading.

The whole place is rewired during reno.

Any reco for a reliable electrician that I can get a 2nd opinion ?

Thanks.

[yoongf 11]

I am facing the same problem.

Apparently.. 30mA is the law for RCB.

But... to lower the sensitivity by using a higher rating RCB of 50mA may mean electricution.

http://www.aelgroup.co.uk/hb/hb040.htm

Is defininately due to lightning. Maybe the RCB is old and overly sensitive. Can try changing to another one, but I dun thnk any licensed electrician will install a less sensitive one.

I not implemented any solution yet.

[kst 0]

I am facing the same problem.

Apparently.. 30mA is the law for RCB.

But... to lower the sensitivity by using a higher rating RCB of 50mA may mean electricution.

http://www.aelgroup.co.uk/hb/hb040.htm

Is defininately due to lightning. Maybe the RCB is old and overly sensitive. Can try changing to another one, but I dun thnk any licensed electrician will install a less sensitive one.

I not implemented any solution yet.

Hi yoongf,

Thanks for the info.

So that blue thing is call RCB - maybe mine is just old and malfunctioning.

Will most likely look into changing the RCB - last thing I want is going on a week long holiday

and having the power trip at the beginning - everything in the fridge will rot

Still, anyone has any good electrician to reco ?

Thanks.

Edited December 3, 2008 by kst

[popcorn 0]

Can change yourself, 2 in - 2 out, IIRC.

$30 for a new RCB.

[kst 0]

Can change yourself, 2 in - 2 out, IIRC.

$30 for a new RCB.

Hi popcorn,

So I just turn off the main, unplug the old one and plug in the new one ?

Or I need to connect some wires ?

Where can I find a new RCB - any particular brand/model to look out for ?

Thanks !

[tommy78 0]

Usually power trip u on back the switch can liao?

or u must unplug all plugs before u can turn on?

might be due to some of the appliances u are using now.

Last time my house also always trip and we found that is a mini fridge giving the problem.

[kst 0]

Usually power trip u on back the switch can liao?

or u must unplug all plugs before u can turn on?

might be due to some of the appliances u are using now.

Last time my house also always trip and we found that is a mini fridge giving the problem.

After trip, just turn back the blue switch and it's fine - no need to switch off anything.

Last time my reno electrician say my amplifier (from US) using transformer is causing

problem when he is checking the load - but after that I already turn this off permanently.

[hk203 0]

After trip, just turn back the blue switch and it's fine - no need to switch off anything.

Last time my reno electrician say my amplifier (from US) using transformer is causing

problem when he is checking the load - but after that I already turn this off permanently.

My oven give me the same problem too! It always trip less than 5 minutes after swtiching on the oven.

[Diavonex 0]

When the circuit breaker trip, the first thing to ask is:

1. which was the last electrical equipment I switch ON

2. Does it trip every time I use the same piece of equipment

If it's the same piece of equipment, than it's likely that it's the cause of the problem.

Overloading is normally cause by high wattage equipment e.g. water heater, electric lettle, oven, microwave oven etc.

[Diavonex 0]

Another possibility is bad water proofing of your roof; the moisture from the damp ceiling may be causing the ceiling lamp to leak to earth.