DIY enthusiasts should be careful about the common mistakes to avoid when fixing a power trip without professional assistance. Power trips are common in Singapore’s homes and offices. They happen when the electrical system detects faults and shuts off power to prevent damage.
The rectification of a power trip may seem simple, but mistakes can cause bigger electrical problems or safety risks. Here are seven mistakes to avoid when dealing with a power trip.
The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing a Power Trip in Singapore
When there is a fault in the electrical system, the breakers usually shut down the power supply to prevent potential short circuits or electrical fires. Homeowners often try to turn on the breaker to normalize the power supply. When the breaker trips again, people try resolving the issues.
Therefore, they make mistakes during a power trip fixing. LS Electrician Services Singapore is a reputed electrician that offers exhaust fan installation, light bulb replacement, and power socket installation services. It now provides a guide to highlight the mistakes to avoid when resolving a power trip.
1. Ignoring the Root Cause
One of the biggest fixing a power trip mistake is resetting the circuit breaker without finding the cause of the power trip. The breaker trips to prevent harm and minimize the risk of a short circuit. When you prematurely turn it on without fixing the issue, it may cause it to trip again.
Therefore, it is important to check and find the problem before restoring power. The reason behind a tripping breaker is the excessive current flowing through the circuit. Therefore, either the system is overloaded or has a short electrical circuit.
2. Overloading Electrical Circuits
When you plug in too many devices, they draw too much current from the circuit and cause the circuit breaker to trip. This happens in homes where many appliances run at the same time. Therefore, avoid using multiple extension cords or plugging high-power devices into the same outlet.
Moreover, spread the load across different circuits and use separate outlets for big appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators. It is also recommended to schedule the usage of heavy-duty electrical devices so that they are not functional simultaneously.
3. Using Faulty Appliances
A faulty electrical appliance can cause a power trip. If one appliance is the problem, unplug it before resetting the circuit breaker. Some common culprits are old refrigerators, broken water heaters, and defective power strips. Try to plug the appliance into a different outlet. If the power trips again, the appliance needs repairs or replacement.
4. Resetting the Breaker Many Times
Some people try to repeatedly reset the breaker to reinstate the electrical supply. However, if the breaker keeps tripping, it means there is a serious issue. Repeated resets can damage the electrical panel and increase fire or shock risks. It is better to stop and find the problem before resetting the power.
5. Handling Electrical Parts Without Safety Precautions
Fixing a power trip without safety precautions can be dangerous. Avoid touching electrical panels or wires with wet hands. Wear rubber-soled shoes when working on electrical components. If there is a burning smell, sparks, or exposed wires, call a professional electrician instead of trying to fix the issue alone.
6. Ignoring Signs of Electrical Damage
One of the most common mistakes to avoid when fixing a power trip is to ignore the visible wear or damage on the electrical wires of the outlets. It is recommended that visible damage to any cable or appliance should never be overlooked.
Blackened outlets, buzzing sounds, and flickering lights mean an electrical problem. If you ignore these signs and use damaged electrical systems, it can cause fires or shocks. Always check for damage and call an electrician to enhance safety.
7. Not Calling a Professional When Needed
Some power trip issues need expert help. If the power trip keeps happening despite your checks, or if there are serious electrical faults, you should immediately call a licensed electrician without wasting any time. A professional can find and fix the issue quickly and safely.
Conclusion
Homeowners need to be aware of the mistakes to avoid when fixing a power trip to remain safe and protected. Avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes helps prevent bigger electrical problems and ensures safety.
Therefore, always locate the root cause, prevent circuit overloads, test appliances, and follow safety steps to protect the electrical system and remain safe. A well-maintained electrical system keeps homes and offices in Singapore safe and trouble-free.