If you're hiring an electrician for a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Singapore, I highly recommend that you read through this article.
Choosing the right HDB electrician in Singapore can make all the difference in preventing potential hazards and ensuring the longevity of electrical systems.
In this article, I'll be sharing more on:
- Worst mistakes people make when hiring HDB electricians in Singapore (and how to avoid them)
- A foolproof way to verify if your electrician is licensed
- 8 common types of electrician services for HDB flats
- The easiest way to find a competent HDB electrician
Worst Mistakes When Hiring an Electrician in Singapore
1. Hiring a "HDB licensed electrician" for HDB electrical works
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) in Singapore is a qualified professional officially authorised by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to perform specific electrical works.
HDB does not officially authorise electricians. However, you might have seen websites where electricians in Singapore call themselves "HDB licensed electricians", or "HDB approved electricians".
The terminology has been thrown around casually, and if you're a layman or not a professional in the industry, it’s hard to know what's true sometimes.
If you're looking to engage licensed electrician services in Singapore, I'd definitely recommend you to question further and find out if your electrician is actually EMA authorised.
2. Not understanding the nuances of the electrician industry in Singapore
Real talk.
There have been cases where on-site electricians in Singapore lack proper licensing, with only their supervisor holding the necessary credentials. However, the supervisor might not be present to conduct inspections.
Should you risk having unlicensed electricians perform services for a HDB flat—without even the supervision of a licensed electrician? It’s likely that most will say no.
In fact, the EMA officially states that we should engage licensed electricians (or get the supervision of one) for both residential and commercial settings.
Source: Energy Market Authority (EMA)
However, the EMA does not control the pricing provided by licensed electricians in Singapore.
It's always recommended to get a licensed electrician on-site, especially if it’s a full-scale HDB renovation or a major electrical wiring project. The reality though, is that some may find it hard to justify the cost of a licensed electrician—especially when it comes to simple electrical services like changing a light bulb.
Ultimately, you’ll need to make a decision as a customer, and being informed is the best way to decide. I hope that shedding light on this area of our electrician industry has helped you in some way.
Foolproof Way to Verify an Electrician's Licence in Singapore
If you’ve decided to hire a licensed electrician for your HDB, always ask your electrician to present their licence card. This card should feature their:
- Photograph
- Name
- Identity card number
- Licence number
Once you have your electrician's license number, you can then cross-reference it with EMA's ELISE portal.
Source: EMA's ELISE portal
By doing so, you can confirm that your electrician is equipped to meet the safety standards imposed on HDB electrician services in Singapore.
Common HDB Electrician Services in Singapore
HDB electricians in Singapore offer a variety of electrician services, and here are some of the common ones:
- Lighting fixture installation: Lighting fixtures, including LED installations, may seem straightforward but involve complex electrical works. A competent electrician in Singapore should ensure the system's electrical load capacity isn't exceeded, maintaining both safety and performance.
- Adding or replacing switches and power sockets: Adding new switches or power outlets demand precise electrical services. This is especially so for smart switches, which are very popular in Singapore HDB flats. Licensed electricians ensure connections are correctly wired and comply with all electrical codes, preventing overload and potential hazards.
- Electrical wiring or rewiring: This is a critical task, especially during HDB flat renovations or when upgrading electrical systems. A licensed electrician performs comprehensive assessments and implementation based on accurate load calculations, ensuring the system’s efficiency and safety.
- Installation of ceiling fans: Proper installation of ceiling fans requires expert knowledge to handle electrical connections safely. A competent electrician ensures the fan integrates seamlessly with the existing electrical system, reducing risks like improper wiring in HDB flats.
- Doorbell installation or replacement: Regardless of whether you're looking to get a wired or wireless doorbell system, a competent electrician will ensure that the doorbell system is compatible with a HDB flat's existing electrical infrastructure.
- Installation of water heater point: Water heater point installation involves establishing the electrical and plumbing connections required for a water heater. Engaging a competent electrician not only prevents electrical faults, but also prolongs the lifespan of the appliance.
- Installation of toilet ventilation or exhaust fan: Toilet ventilation or exhaust fans help to maintain air quality and comfort by removing moisture, odour, and airborne contaminants from the toilet. Proper installation of these fans by a competent electrician prevents mould and mildew growth in Singapore's humid environment—thereby protecting a HDB flat's structural integrity and the health of its occupants.
- Installation of Distribution Board (DB) box: An electrical panel, or distribution board (DB) box, is commonly located in a cupboard inside HDB flats in Singapore. Homeowners usually install a new DB box during renovations or if there are frequent power trips and failures—engaging a licensed electrician will help ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
How to Find a HDB Electrician in Singapore (Without the Headache)
Choosing a HDB electrician in Singapore is a crucial step to ensure a home's safety.
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With Singapore’s largest directory of contractors, you can browse detailed profiles, compare services, and contact professionals directly. Get started today and find reliable electrician services reviewed by customers in Singapore.