Singapore requires residual current circuit breakers in all residential premises

This covers residential places built before 1985.

Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) is requiring all residential premises that were built before 1985 to install residual current circuit breakers (RCCB) to improve electrical safety starting 1 July 2023.

In a statement, the EMA said the homeowners will have a two-year grace period to comply with the requirement to install the device that cuts off the power supply when current leakages that may result in an electric shock are detected.

For one- and two-room Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats constructed before July 1985 when RCCB for new homes became a requirement, the HDB will fund the installation of RCCB and necessary rewiring work if they do not have them yet.

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EMA said for three-room and larger HDB flat types, the HDB will inform the homeowners about the RCCB Installation Assistance Program where the government will shoulder up to 95% of the cost.

Owners of private residences, meanwhile, can tap a licensed electrical worker for installation works.

Those found to have not complied after the two-year grace period will be penalised with a fine of up to $5,000 under the Electricity (Electrical Installations) Regulations.