DB and MCB upgrade: when and what it costs
The distribution board (DB) is the heart of your home's protection. An old or overloaded DB trips often, gets hot, or fails to trip when it should.
When to upgrade
- MCBs trip often, especially when the AC or water heater starts
- You are adding ACs, an induction cooker or a water heater
- The DB or MCBs feel warm or show burn marks
- There is no RCCB to protect against electric shock
- Old rewireable fuses are still in use
- No spare ways for new circuits
MCB, RCCB and RCBO
MCB
Miniature circuit breaker. Trips on overload or short circuit. One per circuit.
RCCB
Residual current circuit breaker. Trips on earth leakage to protect people from shock. Does not protect against overload.
RCBO
MCB and RCCB in one device, so each circuit gets both kinds of protection.
Earthing check
An RCCB only works properly with a sound earth. We test your earth connection and repair or add an earth pit if needed.
What it costs
Cost depends on the number of ways, the brand and whether wiring needs to change. We quote after a quick look at your DB.
Frequently asked questions
My MCB trips often. What should I do?
Note which circuit trips and when. It may be an overload, a fault in an appliance or a weak MCB. Don't replace it with a bigger MCB without checking the cable size. Call us for a safety check.
Do I need an RCCB?
An RCCB protects people from electric shock caused by earth leakage. We recommend RCCB or RCBO protection in every home DB.
How many ways should my DB have?
Enough for every circuit plus a few spare ways for the future. We count your circuits at survey.