Why Does My House Keep Blacking Out? Here Are the 7 Most Common Causes

Index

1. Introduction

2. Overloaded Electrical System

3. Old and Worn-Out Home Wiring

4. Short Circuits

5. Faulty Electrical Appliances

6. Faulty Distribution Board (DB)

7. External Issues from TNB

8. Faulty ELCB or MCB

9. Did You Know?

10. Conclusion

11. FAQ

Introduction

Does your home frequently experience sudden blackouts?

It may be a sign of serious electrical issues that need urgent attention.

Frequent blackouts aren't just inconvenient — they can be dangerous for your household. This article outlines 7 of the most common reasons for blackouts, especially for homeowners in Malaysia.

1. Overloaded Electrical System

⚡ Using too many high-powered appliances simultaneously — like:

• Air conditioners

• Water heaters

• Electric stoves

...can cause your system to overload, leading to trips or blackouts.

Tip: Avoid using all heavy-duty appliances at once. Alternate usage or upgrade your home’s wiring capacity.

2. Old and Worn-Out Home Wiring

🏚️ Homes older than 15–20 years often suffer from wiring issues such as:

• Brittle wires

• Worn insulation

• Loose connections

These can lead to frequent trips or even minor fires if not repaired.

3. Short Circuits

🔥 One of the leading causes of blackouts is short circuits due to:

• Contact between live and neutral wires without load

• Moisture entering switches

• Accidental nail punctures into wiring

Short circuits can result in minor explosions or dangerous sparks.

4. Faulty Electrical Appliances

🔌 Damaged appliances like:

• Old fans

• Broken TVs

• Imitation chargers

...can destabilize your home’s electrical system and cause trips. Check each device one by one if blackouts occur frequently.

5. Faulty Distribution Board (DB)

🔧 The DB or main switchboard controls your home’s electricity. If:

• Fuses are blown

• MCBs are too sensitive

• Installations are untidy

...it may trip easily with small voltage changes.

6. External Issues from TNB

🌩️ Sometimes the blackout isn’t your fault. Possible causes include:

• TNB maintenance work

• Supply interruptions

• Storms or fallen trees on main cables

Check with neighbors or call TNB to verify the cause.

7. Faulty ELCB or MCB

🛠️ The Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) and Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) are key safety components. If damaged:

• They may trip randomly

• Fail to detect electrical leaks correctly

Replace them if they’re old or faulty.

Did You Know?

💡 A properly working ELCB can save lives in the event of an electrical leak — it should be tested at least once a year.

Conclusion

Frequent blackouts are not normal. By identifying the 7 causes above, you can take early preventative action. Regular home wiring inspections are a worthwhile investment for long-term safety.

FAQ

1. What should I do if my house suddenly blacks out?

Turn off all switches and check the DB box. If the issue persists, call an electrician.

2. Should I upgrade the wiring in an old home?

Yes, especially if it’s over 20 years old and experiences frequent electrical issues.

3. How much does a home wiring inspection cost?

Typically between RM150 to RM500 depending on house size and inspection depth.

4. Can a single faulty appliance cause a blackout?

Yes. Try unplugging one device at a time and test the system.

5. Who should I call if the problem continues?

Contact a licensed electrician or file a report with TNB if outages persist.

Don’t wait until the blackouts get worse.

Get a professional wiring inspection today 👉 https://www.wiringrumah.my/