It can be stressful when the power suddenly goes out in your home. You might be boiling water, working on your computer, or watching TV when everything stops. In many cases, this isn’t a total blackout or an electrical fault across your neighborhood—it’s a power trip, and the good news is that you can often fix it yourself safely.
Power trips are common in Singapore homes, whether you live in an HDB flat or a landed property. They usually occur when there is an electrical overload, a faulty appliance, or a short circuit in your system. While the situation might seem alarming at first, learning how to reset your power can help you restore electricity quickly and safely.
Below, we’ll explain what a power trip is, what causes it, how to reset it properly, and when you should call a professional!
What is a Power Trip?
A power trip happens when your home’s circuit breaker detects a problem with the electrical flow and shuts off the power to prevent further damage or danger. This is a built-in safety feature that protects your electrical system from overloading, overheating, or catching fire. When the breaker “trips,” it cuts the power to certain circuits or, in some cases, the whole house.
In Singapore, most homes are equipped with a distribution board or also known as a DB box, which houses circuit breakers and the Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB), they controls power in all parts of the home. When a fault is detected, the breaker lever flips down to cut the flow of electricity.
There can be a variety of issues on why power trips happen, from plugging in too many appliances on the same circuit, using faulty or old devices, to having moisture in power outlets. Sometimes, a sudden surge in electricity or a wiring issue can also lead to a trip.
How to Know If You’ve Had a Power Trip?
You’ll know you’ve experienced a power trip if your lights and appliances suddenly stop working, but your neighbors still have electricity. If only part of your home loses power, such as just the kitchen or bedroom, it’s likely that a single circuit breaker has tripped. If the entire house goes dark, it may be that the RCCB has tripped due to a more serious issue.
When this happens, the first step you need to take is to check your DB box. This is usually located near your home's main entrance, in the kitchen, or in a utility cabinet. Open it and look at the switches. If you see that one or more breakers have flipped down to the “off” position—that’s a sign of a power trip.
How to Reset a Power Trip?
Step 1: Ensure Safety
Before touching anything, make sure your hands are completely dry and you’re standing on a dry surface. This is important to prevent electrical shock while you’re handling the switches.
Step 2: Turn Off and Unplug Appliances
Go to the area affected by the power trip and turn off or unplug all appliances and devices. This will help prevent the breaker from tipping again right away after the power is restored.
Step 3: Locate the Tripped Switch
Open your distribution board (DB box) and look for any breaker switches that are in the “off” position or not aligned with the others. This is likely the source of the power trip.
Step 4: Reset the Breaker
Flip the tripped breaker switch back to the “on” position. If it stays up and the power returns, it was likely caused by a temporary overload.
Step 5: Plug Appliances Back in Slowly
Afterward, you can slowly plug your appliances back in. Don’t plug everything all at once; instead, do it one by one. This helps you identify if a specific device might be causing the trip.
Step 6: Watch for Immediate Trips
If the breaker trips again immediately or after plugging something back in, stop. This could mean there’s a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or a short circuit.
Avoid repeatedly resetting the breaker, as this may be dangerous!
Step 7: Call an Electrician If Needed
If the breaker or RCCB keeps tripping, don’t keep trying to reset it. Avoid using the affected sockets and contact a licensed electrician to inspect and fix the issue safely.
Why Power Trips Should Not Be Ignored?
Although you may be able to restore power easily, frequent or unexplained power trips are signs that something is wrong with your electrical system. This could include overloaded circuits, exposed wiring, faulty plugs, or aging electrical components. Ignoring repeated trips can put your home at risk of electrical fires, damage to appliances, and even electrical shocks.
If your home electricity keeps tripping, or if you hear buzzing sounds, smell burning, or see sparks near outlets—do not try to fix it yourself. Trying to handle electrical problems without training can be dangerous. Licensed electricians in Singapore are equipped with the tools and knowledge to diagnose faults, replace damaged wiring, test circuit breakers, and make sure your system meets safety standards!
Luce Electrician to the Rescue!
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