Life after the circuit breaker
Life as we know it will soon change for Singapore once the Covid-19 circuit breaker is lifted as we enter into three different reopening phases, which will be rolled out progressively after 1 June. Things won’t go back to ‘normal’ anytime soon, though. Even now, as we adjust to working from home, donning face masks to step out of the house, and connecting with our loved ones virtually, we can’t help but yearn to return to our pre-coronavirus routine.
So to keep us going, we’ve put together a wish list of sorts – something to look forward to once we reach a new normal. In the process, we found ourselves reminiscing about things we might have taken for granted. We’re not talking about partying in clubs or being sandwiched in a crowded train or bus; but rather, reconnecting with our loved ones and friends. If you’re feeling anxious or down in the dumps, putting together a list of things to do in a post-pandemic world can actually be beneficial!
Keep in mind these safety guidelines to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
It might have felt like an eternity but can you believe we’ve made it to July and now we’re in the midst of Phase 2? As the government eases the circuit breaker measures, it’s vital that we stay on guard and follow all safety measures and protocol. In case you need a breather, the virus can transfer via close contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The infected water droplets can also spread when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after touching infected surfaces or objects.
Yes, most establishments have enforced the SafeEntry check in system, strict safety measures and SG Clean certifications, but remember that we can all do our part to avoid the risk of transmission. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of safety guidelines to note. The key is to practise safe distancing, avoid crowded areas and minimise time spent outside.
Where Is The Circuit Breaker In My RV? Common RV Electrical Issues and How to Fix Them
Perhaps you’ve noticed that the lights in your travel trailer dim unexpectedly. Maybe your air conditioner doesn’t sound right, or the food in your refrigerator isn’t staying cold. These and many more issues may point to an electrical problem. It’ll likely have you asking, where is the circuit breaker in my RV? Fortunately, you can identify—and fix—many issues quickly and cheaply.
A Lesson in Power
Class A motorhomes and smaller campers typically run on both AC and DC power. The former is your electrical hookup at the campground. It runs the energy-demanding thing like your air conditioner, refrigerator, and other appliances. The latter takes care of lighting, your thermostat, and other components through a 12-volt battery. Your travel trailer may also have propane.
The next thing you need to understand is how to calculate the power needs and usage of your rig. The number of watts describes that figure. Volts is a measure of the electrical force. Amp is the flow. The equation to determine power equals volts times amps. You can get that information from the back of your appliances or in the owner’s manual.
Determining your maximum wattage allows you to stay within the correct range to avoid losing power. Most sites have either a 30- or 50-amp hookup for 120-volt electricity, sometimes, both. Knowing which you’re using is an essential step to avoiding power issues. All it takes is some simple math and knowledge of what you have in our RV.
What Triggers Electrical Problems?
When you see issues crop up, it’s often a symptom of something else that’s going on that you need to fix. Sometimes, the cause and effect are evident, like running the microwave while someone is drying their hair. Other times, it’s a mystery that requires some detective work. The things you need to determine are whether it’s in the rig or outside of your control.
developing a new generation of digital circuit breakers
Mechanical circuit breakers have been the gatekeepers of household electricity supply for around 150 years, but disruptive forces may be on the verge of upsetting this long-established technology.
technology start-up has developed a digital alternative to traditional circuit breakers, which threatens to displace its analogue ancestor by offering higher standards of control and insight into electricity monitoring.
The solid state circuit breaker is a response to emerging trends in global energy markets and aims to satisfy growing demand for “grid-edge intelligence” from both consumers and power network infrastructure.
“Software is appearing in all aspects of every industry today, and it just doesn’t make sense to have an analogue, mechanical device in something so central as the entry point for electricity in a home,”
“No-one has solved that challenge before now. Very little has been done in this area of the market when it comes to the digitisation or software control of electricity.”
Electrical safety
Electricity can be hazardous. Insulation, earthing, fuses and circuit breakers help to protect us from electrical injury. Electrical energy is current multiplied by voltage and time.
Fuses
The fuse breaks the circuit if a fault in an appliance causes too much current to flow. This protects the wiring and the appliance if something goes wrong. The fuse contains a piece of wire that melts easily. If the current going through the fuse is too great, the wire heats up until it melts and breaks the circuit.
Fuses in plugs are made in standard ratings. The most common are 3 A, 5 A and 13 A. The fuse should be rated at a slightly higher current than the device needs:
if the device works at 3 A, use a 5 A fuse
if the device works at 10 A, use a 13 A fuse
Circuit breakers
These are automatically operated electrical switches that protect electrical circuits from overloading or short circuiting. They detect faults and then stop the flow of electricity. Small circuit breakers protect individual household appliances, whereas larger ones can protect high voltage circuits supplying electricity to entire cities.
Earthing
Many electrical appliances – including cookers, washing machines and refrigerators – have metal cases.
Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping in My House
A circuit breaker “trips” (shuts off the electrical flow) in order to protect the circuit from overheating. It’s a safeguard that helps prevent damage and electrical fires. If it happens often, there’s a root cause that you need to address.
Overloaded Circuit
This is the most common cause of a tripped breaker. It usually happens when you’re running too many power-consuming devices on the same circuit at the same time. The demand, or load, on the circuit is too high, and presto! The breaker trips to prevent overheating.
With a little detective work, you can often find the device that’s causing the issue. Before you flip the circuit back on, take note of what was running when the breaker tripped.
Can you isolate the appliance that you turned on just before the breaker tripped?
Have you recently added a new appliance or device to the circuit?
Did you start using a space heater or other seasonal device that you haven’t used in awhile?
Have you noticed that any of your appliances have been running hot, making any strange new noises, having trouble starting, or not working as efficiently? A failing or faulty appliance will draw in more amps than usual, which can cause the circuit to overload.