Choosing an electrician in Singapore isn't just about finding someone available—it's about making a decision that affects your home's safety, your project timeline, and potentially thousands of dollars. With over 8,000 registered Licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs) in Singapore, the options can be overwhelming.
This guide helps you evaluate and compare electricians systematically, focusing on the factors that truly matter for Singapore homeowners.
Understanding Singapore's Electrical Licensing System
Before comparing individual electricians, understand that Singapore requires Licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs) for most electrical work.
Why Licensing Matters
Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) issues LEW licences in three grades (L7, L8, L9) based on the complexity and capacity of work they can perform. For most HDB and condominium work, you need at least a Grade 8 (L8) Licensed Electrical Technician.
Key point for choosing: Always verify your electrician holds the appropriate licence grade for your project. The grade should match the work complexity—simple repairs may need L7, but most renovation work requires L8.
Verifying Credentials
The EMA maintains a public register where you can verify any electrician's credentials. Before engaging anyone, confirm their licence is active and matches their stated qualifications.
Working with unlicensed personnel carries serious risks—fines up to $10,000 for illegal electrical work, and insurance won't cover damage from non-compliant installations.
Comparing Service Providers
Registered Electrical Contractors
Advantages:
- Insurance coverage (professional indemnity and public liability)
- Team availability for larger projects
- Proper documentation and warranty tracking
- Business continuity if individual LEW is unavailable
Considerations:
- Higher pricing due to overhead
- May subcontract to individual LEWs
Individual LEWs
Advantages:
- Direct communication with the person doing the work
- Lower pricing without company overhead
- More flexibility for small jobs
Considerations:
- Limited insurance coverage
- Continuity issues if unavailable
For major renovation projects, registered contractors provide better risk management. For minor repairs, a trusted individual LEW may be more cost-effective.
Evaluating Pricing
Understanding What Affects Cost
Electrical work pricing varies based on several factors—complexity, materials, timing, and the electrician's experience. Rather than focusing on specific numbers, understand what drives pricing differences.
Key pricing factors to compare:
- Material quality (branded vs generic components)
- Project complexity and access difficulty
- LEW certification requirements
- After-hours or emergency service premiums
Comparing Quotes Effectively
When evaluating quotes, focus on value rather than just the bottom line. Ensure quotes are like-for-like by checking:
- Same scope of work described
- Similar material specifications
- Certification costs included or excluded
- Warranty terms offered
Red Flags in Pricing
Be wary of quotes that:
- Significantly undercut others without explanation
- Don't specify LEW grade or licence number
- Exclude necessary certification costs
- Require more than 30-50% upfront payment
- Are vague about what's included
Matching Expertise to Your Project
Different electrical work requires different expertise. When choosing, match the electrician's experience to your specific project type.
Key considerations:
- Emergency work: Needs 24/7 availability and quick response. Our emergency electrician services handle urgent issues.
- Installation work: Verify experience with your specific project, whether water heater installation or electrical rewiring.
- Maintenance: Preventive electrical maintenance requires systematic inspection skills.
Ask potential electricians about their experience with projects similar to yours. A specialist in HDB renovations may not be ideal for commercial fit-outs, and vice versa.
HDB Flat Considerations
If you live in an HDB flat, be aware that electrical work has additional requirements beyond general licensing.
Key points for choosing an HDB electrician:
- Ensure your electrician is familiar with HDB renovation procedures
- Most work requires applications through HDB's portal
- Your flat has specific load limits that affect what can be installed
- Earth leakage protection (ELCB/RCCB) requirements must be met
Our HDB residential LEW services handle all HDB-specific submission requirements. For earth leakage protection assessments, see our HDB ELCB services.
Making Your Decision
Comparison Framework
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Licence verification | Critical (pass/fail) |
| Relevant experience | High |
| Quote comprehensiveness | High |
| Price competitiveness | Medium |
| Communication quality | Medium |
Final Steps
Before confirming: 1. Verify licence on EMA register 2. Call 1-2 references 3. Clarify all quote items 4. Get agreement in writing 5. Confirm which LEW will perform work
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when hiring an electrician?
Focus on five key factors when evaluating electricians for your project:
1. Valid EMA licence Every electrician performing regulated work in Singapore must hold a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) credential. Verify this on the official ELISE portal—never take someone's word for it. The licence should be active and the grade appropriate for your project.
2. Relevant experience Ask about experience with projects similar to yours. An electrician experienced in HDB renovations understands the specific requirements, while someone focused on commercial work may not be the best fit for residential jobs. Request examples or references.
3. Transparent pricing A qualified electrician provides itemised quotes specifying the scope of work, materials to be used, and total cost. Vague "around this much" estimates suggest inexperience or intent to add charges later.
4. Positive reputation Check online reviews, ask for references, or seek recommendations from friends and family. Consistent negative feedback about workmanship, communication, or pricing is a clear warning sign.
5. Clear communication How an electrician responds to your initial enquiry often indicates their professionalism. Prompt, clear responses and willingness to answer questions suggest someone who takes their work seriously.
Red flags to avoid:
- Reluctance to show credentials
- Pressure for large upfront payments
- Vague about what's included in the quote
- Unable to explain what they'll do
A qualified electrician should willingly show their licence card, explain the work scope, and provide a written quotation before starting. For licensed electrical works, proper documentation protects both you and the electrician.
How do I know if an electrician is qualified?
In Singapore, qualified electricians hold a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) credential from the Energy Market Authority (EMA). This licensing system ensures electricians meet minimum competency standards for safety and regulatory compliance.
Verification steps: Visit the official ELISE portal at elise.ema.gov.sg and search by the electrician's name or licence number. Check that:
- Status shows "Active" (not expired or suspended)
- Licence grade matches your project needs
- Name exactly matches the person you're engaging
Beyond licensing: Licensing confirms minimum competency, but experience matters too. Ask:
- How long have you been doing this type of work?
- Can you describe similar projects you've completed?
- Do you have references I can contact?
- Are you familiar with [specific requirement for your project]?
Professional indicators: A qualified electrician typically:
- Confidently provides their licence number
- Carries their licence card
- Has proper tools and equipment
- Explains work in understandable terms
- Provides written documentation
Don't hesitate to ask questions—a professional welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications. Our electrical troubleshooting services are provided by verified, experienced LEWs.
What questions should I ask before hiring an electrician?
Asking the right questions helps you evaluate electricians and avoid problems later. Here's what to ask:
Licensing and credentials:
- "Are you EMA licensed? What grade?"
- "Can I see your licence card?"
- "Is your licence current and active?"
Scope and approach:
- "What exactly will the work involve?"
- "How long will it take?"
- "Will you need to turn off power, and for how long?"
- "What permits or approvals are needed?"
Pricing and terms:
- "Will you provide an itemised written quote?"
- "What's included—and what might cost extra?"
- "What brands of materials will you use?"
- "What payment terms do you require?"
Quality and follow-up:
- "What warranty do you offer on workmanship?"
- "What happens if something goes wrong after completion?"
- "Who will actually perform the work?"
- "Can you provide references from similar projects?"
HDB-specific (if applicable):
- "Are you familiar with HDB renovation requirements?"
- "Will you handle the HDB portal submissions?"
Good electricians:
- Answer confidently without evasion
- Put agreements in writing
- Don't pressure you to decide immediately
- Welcome questions rather than dismissing them
For major projects like electrical rewiring or distribution board work, thorough questioning upfront prevents misunderstandings and disputes later.
Should I choose an electrician based on the cheapest quote?
No—for electrical work, where safety, compliance, and long-term reliability matter, choosing purely on cost often creates bigger expenses later.
What cheap quotes may indicate:
Unlicensed or underqualified workers may offer lower prices because they don't have the proper credentials. Without a valid LEW licence, they cannot legally certify the work, leaving you liable for non-compliance.
Inferior materials often explain significantly lower quotes. Generic or unknown brands may fail prematurely, creating safety risks and repair costs. Counterfeit electrical components are a real issue in Singapore.
Incomplete scope means the quote excludes necessary items like LEW certification, proper testing, or required materials. Additional charges appear during or after the work.
When price comparison makes sense: For simple work with clear scope and standard materials, price differences of 20-30% may justify the lower quote—if the electrician is properly licensed and the quote covers the same scope.
When other factors outweigh price: For distribution board modifications, full rewiring, safety-critical systems, or commercial installations, experience and insurance coverage matter more than saving a few hundred dollars.
The real cost calculation: A S$500 quote that requires S$800 in corrections costs more than an S$800 quote done right the first time. For major projects, consider established providers offering electrical installation services with proper documentation and warranty support.
Get at least three quotes for significant work, and if one is dramatically lower than others, ask why before assuming you've found a bargain.
How can I verify that materials used match what was quoted?
Material substitution—where cheaper components replace quoted items—is a common complaint. Protect yourself through contractual clarity and verification during the work.
Before work starts:
- Specify brand names and model numbers in writing (e.g., "Schneider Electric Acti9 iC60N" not "quality brand")
- Request product specification sheets for key components
- Include right to inspect materials before installation in your agreement
- Clarify consequences of unauthorised substitutions
During the work: When the electrician arrives with materials:
- Check packaging labels match quoted brands
- Verify model numbers on products
- Photograph packaging before installation
- Ask to retain boxes until work is verified
What to verify specifically:
For cables, check size (1.5mm², 2.5mm²) and brand printed on the sheath. Verify proper colour coding: brown for live, blue for neutral, green-yellow for earth.
For circuit protection devices, verify MCB brand and current rating stamped on the device. RCCB sensitivity should typically be 30mA for residential. Look for proper certification marks.
For outlets and switches, confirm brand matches specification and ampere rating (13A, 15A, 20A) is appropriate.
If you discover substitutions: Stop work immediately and document with photos. Discuss directly with the electrician—it may be miscommunication. Never accept substitutions for safety devices (RCCB, MCB) or undersized cables. For transparent material sourcing, work with established providers like our electrical installation services.
What are the red flags when hiring an electrician?
Watch for these warning signs that suggest an electrician may not be reliable or properly qualified:
Credential concerns:
- Reluctant to show or provide licence number
- Claims to be "in the process" of getting licensed
- Licence grade doesn't match the work they're offering
- Unable to explain their qualifications
Pricing red flags:
- Quote significantly below competitors without explanation
- Requests large upfront payment (more than 30-50%)
- No written quotation or very vague estimates
- Quote excludes obvious necessities like certification
Communication issues:
- Difficult to reach or slow to respond
- Vague about what work involves
- Pressure tactics or urgency to decide immediately
- Dismissive of your questions or concerns
- No references available when asked
Professionalism problems:
- Unmarked vehicle and no identification
- Reluctant to put agreements in writing
- Unwilling to specify materials or brands
- No clear timeline for the work
- History of negative reviews mentioning similar issues
Trust your instincts: If something feels off—evasive answers, excessive pressure, or unprofessional behaviour—get another quote. The inconvenience of finding another electrician is minor compared to problems from hiring the wrong one.
For peace of mind, work with established providers offering licensed electrical works backed by proper credentials and documented processes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right electrician requires evaluating licensing credentials, relevant experience, pricing transparency, and quality indicators. Verify LEW credentials through the EMA register, compare detailed quotations, and match expertise to your project type.
For comprehensive electrical services backed by properly licensed LEWs and transparent processes, explore our licensed electrical works covering everything from emergency repairs to complete renovation projects.