Singapore GuideUpdated June 2026

Electrician Costs Singapore 2026: Licensed Electrical Worker Rates, EMA Licence & What's Required

Planning electrical work in Singapore? Here's what you need to know about hiring a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW), what jobs actually cost, and the EMA rules that protect you and your home.

$80–$150

LEW hourly rate

$80–$200

New power point

$800–$2,500

DB board replacement

$3k–$8k

Full unit rewiring

Singapore Electrician Cost Guide 2026

All prices in Singapore dollars (SGD) and include 9% GST. Rates vary by contractor, unit type, and complexity of access.

Job Type	Typical Cost (SGD)	Notes
Hourly rate (LEW)	$80–$150/hr	Minimum 1-2 hrs usually applies
New 13A power point	$80–$200 per point	Higher if new circuit required
USB power point	$120–$250 per point	Smart/USB-C types cost more
Lighting installation	$60–$200 per point	Excludes fitting cost
Distribution board (DB) replacement	$800–$2,500	Includes RCCB; older flats cost more
Circuit breaker replacement	$150–$400	Per breaker, plus labour
New circuit	$300–$800	Permit required for HDB flats
Aircon power point (30A)	$200–$400	Dedicated circuit usually needed
Full unit rewiring (HDB/condo)	$3,000–$8,000	Size and complexity dependent

Prices are indicative market rates as of June 2026. Always get at least three written quotations before proceeding.

EMA Licensed Electrical Workers (LEW): What the Law Requires

In Singapore, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) regulates all electrical work under the Electricity Act. Not all electricians are the same — the key distinction is between a general electrician and a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW).

Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW)

An individual licence issued by EMA. Required for all electrical installation, alteration, or maintenance work on fixed wiring systems in Singapore. LEWs must pass EMA examinations and maintain continuing professional development.

Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC)

A company-level licence issued by EMA, required for larger commercial and industrial electrical projects. Residential electrical work is typically carried out by LEWs operating independently or under an LEC.

Penalty for Unlicensed Electrical Work

Under Singapore's Electricity Act (Cap. 89A), carrying out or engaging unlicensed electrical work can result in a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. This applies to both the person carrying out the work and the homeowner who knowingly engages them. Always verify your electrician's LEW licence before work begins.

How to Verify an LEW Licence

Visit the EMA website at ema.gov.sg
Navigate to "Licensed Electrical Workers" under the licences directory
Search by the electrician's name or licence number
Confirm the licence is current and not suspended
Ask the LEW to show their physical licence card on site

A reputable LEW will always carry their licence and be happy to have it verified. Any hesitation should be treated as a red flag.

SP Group & External Electricity Supply

It is important to distinguish between internal electrical work (inside your flat or unit) and external supply infrastructure managed by SP Group (formerly SP Services).

SP Group handles

The electricity meter, the service cable from the main riser to your meter, and the connection to the national grid. Faults or issues with the incoming supply must be reported to SP Group at 1800 778 8888 — do not attempt to work on this yourself.

Your LEW handles

Everything from your DB board inward — all circuits, power points, lighting, and appliance wiring within your flat. This is the work you hire and pay for directly.

Supply upgrades

If you need to increase your supply capacity (for example, upgrading from single-phase to 3-phase for a large number of aircon units), your LEW will coordinate with SP Group to arrange the supply upgrade. This involves separate charges from SP Group and can take several weeks.

HDB Electrical Rules & Renovation Permits

HDB flats have specific electrical regulations enforced by the Housing Development Board. Understanding these before you start work prevents costly mistakes and potential enforcement action.

When an HDB Renovation Permit is Required

• Adding new circuits to the DB board
• Increasing the number of circuit breakers
• Installing concealed conduits within walls
• Any modification to the electrical riser or meter room
• Installing additional aircon power points that require new circuits

HDB Supply & Load Limits

• Older HDB flats: Single-phase 63A supply — limits total electrical load
• Newer BTO flats: 3-phase supply available — supports higher loads
• Aircon units typically require dedicated 30A circuits each
• Water heaters and dryers also need dedicated circuits
• Your LEW can calculate your load to advise on capacity

Aircon & Power Requirements

Installing a split-unit aircon in an HDB flat requires a dedicated 30A circuit from the DB board. If you are adding multiple aircon units, each typically needs its own circuit. In older single-phase flats, the total number of aircon units may be limited by available supply capacity. Your LEW and aircon installer should coordinate — and if you are adding circuits, an HDB Renovation Permit must be obtained before work begins.

Getting Electrical Work Done Right: A Checklist

Electrical work done poorly is not just an inconvenience — it is a fire and electrocution risk. Follow this checklist to protect yourself.

Verify the LEW licence before engagement

Check the EMA website before signing any contract. Ask for the licence number and confirm it is current. This is non-negotiable.

Get a detailed written quotation

The quote should itemise all materials, labour, and any permit fees. GST (9%) should be clearly stated. Avoid verbal-only agreements.

Ask for an EMA test report on completion

After completing any significant electrical work, a licensed LEW should provide an Electrical Installation Test Report confirming the installation meets SS638 (Singapore Standard for electrical installations). This is your proof of compliance.

Confirm RCCB protection is installed

Your DB board should have a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) installed. This is a life-saving device that cuts power in milliseconds if a dangerous current leak is detected. If your board is old and lacks one, ask your LEW about upgrading.

Ensure HDB permit is obtained before work starts

For permit-required works in HDB flats, the Renovation Permit must be approved before any work begins — not applied for after the fact. Your contractor should handle this, but verify it has been done.

Inspect work before walls are closed up

If conduits are being buried in walls, inspect the wiring run before plastering or tiling covers it. Correcting hidden mistakes later is very expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) to change light fittings?

For simple like-for-like light fitting replacements (same wattage, same fitting type), a general electrician can often handle it. However, any new circuit work, changes to the distribution board, or installations requiring wiring modifications legally require an EMA-licensed LEW. When in doubt, hire an LEW — it protects you and ensures the work is safe and compliant.

How do I check if an electrician holds a valid LEW licence in Singapore?

You can verify an electrician's LEW licence on the EMA (Energy Market Authority) website at ema.gov.sg. Go to the 'Licensed Electrical Workers' directory and search by name or licence number. Always verify before work begins — hiring an unlicensed electrician exposes you to liability and voids insurance.

What is an RCCB and do I need one in my Singapore home?

An RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) is a safety device that cuts power instantly if it detects a current leak to earth, protecting against electric shock. Under Singapore's CP5 wiring standard, RCCBs are required in new installations and are strongly recommended for all homes. If your DB board is old and lacks an RCCB, upgrading is a worthwhile safety investment costing $800-$2,500 for a full DB board replacement.

Can I add more power points in my HDB flat?

Yes, but you must obtain an HDB Renovation Permit if the work involves new circuits or additional load to your distribution board. Standard HDB flats have a single-phase 63A supply (older) or 3-phase supply (newer Build-To-Order flats). Adding power points on existing circuits typically does not require a permit, but any new circuit or DB modification does. Always use a licensed LEW for this work.

How long does a DB board replacement take in Singapore?

A distribution board (DB board) replacement typically takes 3-6 hours for a standard HDB flat or condo unit. The licensed electrician will need to isolate the supply, replace the board and all circuit breakers, install an RCCB if not already present, and conduct testing. You will be without power for most of this time, so plan accordingly.

Is electrical rewiring worth it for old Singapore flats?

For flats more than 20-25 years old, full rewiring is often worth considering. Older wiring may use aluminium conductors (copper is safer and more efficient), lack RCCB protection, and have insufficient circuits for modern appliances. A full rewiring for an HDB unit costs $3,000-$8,000 but adds safety, increases property value, and prevents potential fire hazards. A licensed LEW can assess your current wiring condition.

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