HDB Electrical Emergency Guide
Power tripping? Circuit breaker won't reset? Get immediate safety guidance and licensed electrician help for your HDB flat.
IMMEDIATE SAFETY STEPS
Switch Off Main Power
If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off main switch immediately.
Unplug All Appliances
Disconnect everything from power points in affected areas.
Check for Water
Never touch electrical points if there's water nearby.
Do NOT DIY
Electrical work requires licensed professionals (LEW) - DIY is illegal.
Call Licensed Electrician
Contact LEW-certified electrician immediately (see contacts below).
Document the Issue
Note which areas affected, when it started, any unusual sounds/smells.
Emergency or Wait Until Morning?
Call Emergency Electrician NOW
- Burning smell from electrical points
- Sparks or arcing from switches/outlets
- Complete power loss in entire flat
- Water near electrical installations
- Circuit breaker trips repeatedly
- Hot or buzzing electrical panels
⚠️ Fire & electrocution risk - Immediate action required
Can Wait Until Business Hours
- Single light not working
- One power point not functioning
- Fan making noise but still working
- Light switch feels loose
- Planning new power point installation
- Upgrading electrical fittings
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Common HDB Electrical Problems & Solutions
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Most CommonLikely Causes:
- Overloaded circuits (too many appliances)
- Faulty appliance causing short circuit
- Old wiring in HDB flats (15+ years)
- Water damage to electrical systems
Safe Troubleshooting:
- 1. Switch off all appliances
- 2. Reset circuit breaker ONCE
- 3. If it trips again, call electrician
- 4. Never force or repeatedly reset
- 5. Test one appliance at a time when power returns
Typical Cost: LEW electrician diagnosis $80-120, circuit breaker replacement $120-200, rewiring $200-500 per circuit.
Partial Power Loss (Kitchen/Bedroom Only)
Common in BTOHDB-Specific Issues:
- Separate circuits for kitchen & bedrooms
- Aircon circuit may be independent
- Bathroom circuits often isolated
- Check distribution board for tripped switches
Quick Checks:
- 1. Check if neighbors affected (building issue)
- 2. Look for tripped breakers in panel
- 3. Test other rooms still have power
- 4. Check if specific appliances caused issue
- 5. Contact LEW electrician if no obvious cause
Common Fix: Usually a tripped RCD or MCB. LEW electrician can diagnose and fix within 1-2 hours. Cost: $80-150 for diagnosis and reset.
Power Points/Switches Not Working
Usually Non-EmergencyBefore Calling Electrician:
- Test with different appliances
- Check if other points in same room work
- Look for reset buttons on power points
- Check distribution board for labels
Cost Expectations:
HDB Requirement: All electrical work must be done by Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). DIY electrical work is illegal and voids insurance.
Electrical Repair Costs in Singapore (2025)
Standard Hours (9am-6pm)
✅ Best value, plan non-urgent repairs
Evening (6pm-10pm)
⚠️ Higher rates but available when needed
Late Night/Weekend
🚨 Only for genuine safety emergencies
Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) Requirements
Why LEW Certification Matters
- Legal Requirement: All electrical work in Singapore must be done by LEW
- Safety Training: LEW electricians trained in Singapore electrical codes
- Insurance Valid: Work covered by professional insurance
- Warranty Protection: Certified work comes with warranty
- HDB Approved: LEW work meets HDB electrical standards
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
- Fine: Up to $5,000 for unlicensed electrical work
- Insurance Void: Claims rejected for DIY electrical work
- Safety Risk: Electrocution and fire hazards
- Legal Liability: Personal liability for damages
- Resale Issues: Unlicensed work affects property value
How to Verify LEW Certification
Before Hiring:
- • Ask for LEW license number
- • Check EMA website for verification
- • Request to see physical certification
- • Confirm insurance coverage
After Work Completion:
- • Get electrical safety certificate
- • Ensure all work labeled and documented
- • Keep certificates for HDB records
- • Test all electrical points before payment
Emergency Electrician Contacts
24/7 Emergency
LEW certified, island-wide service
Singapore Emergency Electrical
Specializes in HDB electrical emergencies
Call Now →HDB Specialists
BTO and resale expertise
Elite Electrical Services
Free diagnosis, transparent pricing
View Details →Budget-Friendly
Competitive rates, LEW certified
Quick Fix Electrical
Standard rates, no hidden charges
Get Quote →When You Call, Have Ready:
Essential Information:
- • Your HDB address and unit number
- • Description of electrical problem
- • Which areas of flat affected
- • Any safety concerns (burning smell, sparks)
Ask About:
- • LEW certification and license number
- • Total cost estimate including surcharges
- • Response time and availability
- • Warranty on electrical work performed
Electrical Safety & Prevention for HDB Flats
Daily Safety Habits
- Don't overload power points with extension cords
- Switch off appliances when not in use
- Check for loose plugs and sockets
- Keep electrical points dry and clean
- Report unusual sounds or smells immediately
Monthly Checks
- Test RCD (safety switch) in distribution board
- Check for warm switches or power points
- Inspect visible electrical cables for damage
- Clean dust from electrical panels and switches
- Schedule LEW inspection if any concerns
HDB Electrical Safety Tip
"Many HDB flats built before 2010 may have outdated electrical systems that can't handle modern appliance loads. If you frequently experience circuit tripping, consider having a LEW electrician assess if your distribution board needs upgrading. This prevents emergency situations and improves electrical safety."
Need an Emergency Electrician Right Now?
Don't risk electrical safety. Get connected with LEW-certified electricians available 24/7 for HDB electrical emergencies.