Most people only think about electricians when something goes wrong—a power failure, a tripped breaker that won't reset, or a light that stops working. But electricians provide a comprehensive range of services that go far beyond emergency fixes.
Understanding the types of electrical services available helps you get the right help for your situation. This guide explains what electricians in Singapore actually do and when you need each type of service.
Understanding Electrical Service Types
Electrical services in Singapore fall into four main categories, each serving different needs:
Installation services involve adding new electrical infrastructure—new power points, lighting systems, rewiring, or smart home devices. This is proactive work that expands or upgrades your electrical system.
Repair services focus on fixing things that have broken or failed—faulty outlets, circuit problems, or damaged wiring. This is reactive work that restores your system to working condition.
Maintenance services keep your electrical system in good condition through regular inspections, testing, and preventive care. This is planned work that prevents problems before they occur.
Emergency services provide urgent response for dangerous situations—power failures, burning smells, or sparking outlets. This is immediate work when safety is at risk.
These categories sometimes overlap. A maintenance inspection might reveal a needed repair. An emergency call might result in an installation recommendation. Understanding the distinctions helps you communicate your needs clearly and get appropriate service.
Installation Services: Adding New Electrical Infrastructure
Installation work involves creating new electrical capacity or adding new components to your system. This is the most common type of work during renovations or home improvements.
What Installation Services Include
Power points and switches: Adding new outlets where you need them, upgrading single outlets to double, or installing specialised outlets for heavy appliances.
Lighting systems: Installing ceiling lights, recessed lighting, track lighting, or outdoor lighting. Our lighting and LED installation services cover everything from simple replacements to complete lighting redesigns.
Ceiling fans: Proper ceiling fan installation requires correct wiring and secure mounting—not a job for DIY.
Rewiring: Older properties may need complete electrical rewiring to handle modern electrical loads safely.
Distribution board upgrades: Replacing old fuseboards with modern circuit breakers, adding capacity for new circuits, or installing additional protection devices.
Smart home systems: Smart home automation requires both electrical and network knowledge to integrate lighting, climate, and security systems.
Appliance connections: Hardwiring appliances like water heaters, cooker hobs, and air conditioning units requires proper circuit installation.
Security systems: CCTV installation and other security devices need proper power supply and often network connectivity.
When You Need Installation Services
You need installation work when you're adding something new to your electrical system—not fixing something broken. Signs you need installation include:
- Renovating or remodelling your home
- Not enough power points where you need them
- Adding high-power appliances that need dedicated circuits
- Upgrading to modern lighting or smart home features
- Your distribution board is at capacity
For HDB flats, most installation work requires applications through HDB's renovation portal and proper permits from SP Services.
Repair Services: Fixing What's Broken
Repair work restores your electrical system when something stops working or develops a fault. Unlike installation, which adds new capacity, repairs bring existing components back to working condition.
What Repair Services Cover
Faulty outlets and switches: Outlets that don't work, switches that spark or crackle, or connections that feel loose or warm.
Circuit breaker issues: Breakers that trip frequently, won't reset, or show signs of damage. Our electrical troubleshooting services diagnose why circuits keep tripping.
Wiring problems: Damaged cables, loose connections, or deteriorating insulation that causes intermittent faults.
Distribution board repairs: Faulty MCBs, damaged bus bars, or corroded connections inside your main electrical panel.
ELCB/RCCB issues: Earth leakage protection devices that trip without apparent cause or fail to reset properly.
Light fixture problems: Lights that flicker, dim unexpectedly, or stop working despite good bulbs.
Repair vs Replacement
Sometimes repair isn't the best option. Our electrical repairs and maintenance team will advise when replacement makes more sense:
- When repair costs approach replacement costs
- When the component is obsolete and parts unavailable
- When the failure indicates broader system issues
- When modern alternatives offer significant benefits
For example, repairing an old fuseboard often costs more than replacing it with a modern MCB board that provides better protection and easier maintenance.
When You Need Repair Services
Call for repairs when something that worked before stops working or behaves abnormally:
- Power points or lights stop working
- Circuits trip and won't stay reset
- You notice burning smells without visible cause
- Switches feel warm or make crackling sounds
- Appliances work intermittently
Don't ignore electrical problems hoping they'll resolve themselves. Small issues often indicate larger problems that worsen over time.
Maintenance Services: Preventing Problems
Maintenance keeps your electrical system healthy through regular inspection and preventive care. Unlike repairs (which fix problems after they occur), maintenance prevents problems from developing.
What Maintenance Includes
Visual inspection: Checking your distribution board, outlets, and visible wiring for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration.
Thermal imaging: Using infrared cameras to detect hot spots that indicate loose connections or overloaded circuits before they fail.
Protection device testing: Testing RCCBs, ELCBs, and MCBs to ensure they'll trip when needed. These devices should be tested regularly but often aren't.
Connection tightening: Electrical connections loosen over time due to thermal cycling. Loose connections create heat and fire risk.
Load assessment: Comparing your actual electrical usage against your system's capacity to identify overload risks.
Documentation review: Checking that your Single Line Diagram matches your actual installation and updating it if needed.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Preventive electrical maintenance offers several advantages:
Safety: Catching problems before they become dangerous—loose connections, deteriorating insulation, or failing protection devices.
Reliability: Reducing unexpected failures that disrupt your daily life or business operations.
Longevity: Extending the life of your electrical system through proper care.
Cost savings: Preventing expensive emergency repairs and reducing energy waste from inefficient connections.
Compliance: Ensuring your system meets current safety standards, important for property transactions.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
For typical HDB flats, a maintenance inspection every 3-5 years is reasonable. Consider more frequent maintenance if:
- Your property is over 20 years old
- You've added significant electrical load (aircon, EV charger)
- You notice any warning signs (flickering, tripping, warmth)
- You're preparing to sell your property
Emergency Services: When You Need Help Now
Emergency electrical services provide immediate response for dangerous situations that can't wait for scheduled appointments.
What Qualifies as an Emergency
Immediate emergencies (call right away):
- Complete power loss when neighbours have power
- Burning smell from outlets, switches, or your distribution board
- Visible sparking or smoke from any electrical source
- Outlets or switches hot to the touch
- Electrical shock from touching fixtures or appliances
Urgent situations (same-day service needed):
- Repeated tripping that affects essential circuits
- Partial power loss affecting multiple areas
- Flickering lights throughout the home
- Unusual buzzing or humming from your distribution board
Our emergency electrician services respond 24/7 for genuine emergencies. For HDB-specific power issues, our HDB power outage emergency services understand the unique requirements of HDB electrical systems.
Emergency vs Scheduled Service
Not every electrical problem is an emergency. Scheduling reduces costs and ensures you get unhurried, thorough service.
Schedule service (not emergencies):
- Adding new power points or lights
- Upgrading your distribution board
- General maintenance or inspection
- Non-urgent repairs that don't affect safety
Call emergency when safety is at immediate risk or you have no power for essential needs.
What to Expect from Emergency Service
Emergency electricians arrive quickly—typically within 1-2 hours for genuine emergencies. They'll assess the situation, make it safe, and either complete repairs or recommend follow-up work.
Emergency rates are higher than scheduled rates due to immediate availability and after-hours response. For non-urgent issues, scheduling regular service saves money while still getting quality work.
Matching Service to Your Needs
Use this quick guide to determine which service type you need:
"I want to add something new" → Installation services
- New power points, lights, or circuits
- Appliance connections
- Smart home features
- Distribution board upgrades
"Something stopped working" → Repair services
- Outlets or lights not working
- Circuit breaker problems
- Wiring faults
- Appliance connection issues
"I want to prevent problems" → Maintenance services
- System hasn't been checked in years
- Property is over 15-20 years old
- Preparing to sell
- Just want peace of mind
"This seems dangerous" → Emergency services
- Burning smells
- Sparking or smoke
- Complete power loss
- Anything that feels unsafe
When you're unsure, describe your situation to an electrician. They'll recommend the appropriate service type and can often combine services efficiently—for example, performing repairs discovered during a maintenance inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do electricians provide in Singapore?
Electricians in Singapore provide four main categories of services, each addressing different needs:
Installation services cover adding new electrical infrastructure to your home or business. This includes installing new power points and switches, lighting systems (ceiling lights, recessed lighting, outdoor lighting), ceiling fans, complete rewiring for older properties, distribution board upgrades and additions, smart home automation systems, and connections for hardwired appliances like water heaters and cooker hobs.
Repair services focus on fixing electrical systems that have developed faults or stopped working. This includes troubleshooting and repairing faulty outlets and switches, diagnosing and fixing circuit breaker issues, addressing wiring problems like damaged cables or loose connections, repairing distribution board components, and resolving issues with earth leakage protection devices.
Maintenance services provide preventive care to keep electrical systems safe and reliable. This includes visual inspections of distribution boards and wiring, thermal imaging to detect hot spots, testing protection devices (RCCBs, ELCBs, MCBs), tightening connections that loosen over time, and reviewing electrical load against system capacity.
Emergency services offer immediate response for dangerous electrical situations, available 24/7. This covers power failures, burning smells, sparking outlets, and any situation where safety is at immediate risk.
All electrical installation and modification work in Singapore must be performed by Licensed Electrical Workers registered with the Energy Market Authority.
When should I call an electrician vs doing it myself?
Singapore's Electricity Act clearly defines what requires a licensed professional versus what homeowners can safely do themselves.
You can safely do yourself:
- Replace light bulbs and tubes
- Plug in and unplug appliances
- Reset tripped circuit breakers
- Replace batteries in devices
- Clean light fixtures and fan blades
You must call an electrician for:
- Installing or replacing power points and switches
- Any work involving electrical wiring
- Distribution board modifications or repairs
- Installing or connecting hardwired appliances
- Adding new circuits or extending existing ones
- Any work inside your distribution board
The distinction is clear: if it involves the electrical installation itself—wiring, connections, circuits—it requires a Licensed Electrical Worker. Tasks that only involve using the electrical system (plugging things in, replacing bulbs) are fine for homeowners.
When in doubt, call a professional. The cost of basic electrical work like installing a power point is modest compared to the safety risks of improper DIY work. Attempting electrical installation work without proper licensing also violates regulations and can result in significant fines.
What's the difference between electrical installation and electrical repair?
Installation and repair serve fundamentally different purposes, though both require licensed electricians.
Installation work creates new electrical capacity. You're adding something that wasn't there before:
- Installing additional power points in a room
- Adding new lighting circuits
- Running cables for new appliances
- Upgrading your distribution board to higher capacity
- Wiring a new smart home system
Installation is typically planned work associated with renovations, improvements, or expanding your electrical system's capabilities.
Repair work restores existing systems to working condition. You're fixing something that worked before but has failed or developed problems:
- Replacing a faulty power outlet
- Fixing a circuit that keeps tripping
- Repairing damaged wiring
- Replacing a failed circuit breaker
- Fixing an RCCB that won't reset
Repair is typically reactive work addressing problems that have emerged.
Practical example: If you have three power points in your living room and want a fourth, that's installation. If one of your existing three stops working, that's repair.
Sometimes the best repair is replacement—if a component is obsolete, damaged beyond economical repair, or if modern alternatives offer significant improvements. Your electrician will advise which approach makes most sense.
Do I need an emergency electrician or can I schedule service?
Not every electrical problem requires emergency service. Understanding the difference saves money while ensuring you get timely help when it matters.
Call emergency services immediately for:
- Complete power loss (when neighbours have power)
- Burning smell from any electrical source
- Visible sparking or smoke
- Outlets or switches that feel hot
- Any electrical shock, even minor
- Repeated tripping that won't stop
- Buzzing or crackling sounds from your distribution board
These situations involve immediate safety risks. Don't wait—call an emergency electrician right away.
Schedule regular service for:
- Adding new power points or lighting
- Distribution board upgrades
- General electrical maintenance
- Minor issues that don't affect safety
- Appliance installations
- Improvements and upgrades
Scheduled service costs less than emergency rates and ensures unhurried, thorough work.
The middle ground—urgent but not emergency: Some situations need prompt attention but aren't immediately dangerous. A circuit affecting your refrigerator needs same-day service but probably not 2am response. Many electricians offer urgent scheduling for these situations at rates between standard and emergency pricing.
When unsure, describe your situation when calling. A good electrician will honestly tell you whether you need emergency response or can safely schedule service.
What does preventive electrical maintenance include?
Preventive maintenance involves systematic inspection and testing to identify problems before they cause failures or safety hazards.
A comprehensive maintenance visit typically includes:
Visual inspection of your distribution board, checking for signs of overheating, corrosion, or damage. The electrician examines wire insulation condition, connection integrity, and overall board organisation.
Thermal imaging using an infrared camera to detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye. Hot connections indicate loose terminals or overloaded circuits—problems that cause fires if left unaddressed.
Protection device testing verifies that your RCCBs, ELCBs, and MCBs will trip when needed. These devices protect against electrocution and fire but can fail silently. Testing ensures they'll work in an emergency.
Connection tightening addresses thermal cycling effects. Electrical connections expand and contract with heating and cooling cycles, gradually loosening over time. Loose connections create resistance, heat, and fire risk.
Load assessment compares your actual electrical usage against your system's rated capacity. This identifies circuits at risk of overload, especially relevant if you've added appliances since installation.
Documentation review checks that your Single Line Diagram accurately reflects your current installation and updates it if needed.
Recommended frequency:
- Standard HDB flats: Every 3-5 years
- Older properties (20+ years): Every 2-3 years
- Properties with heavy electrical loads: Every 2-3 years
- Commercial premises: Annually
When should I call an electrician for maintenance vs repairs?
The distinction is simple: maintenance is proactive (before problems occur), repairs are reactive (after problems occur).
Call for maintenance when:
- Your electrical system hasn't been inspected in several years
- Your property is approaching or over 15-20 years old
- You've significantly increased your electrical load
- You're preparing to sell your property
- You want peace of mind about your system's condition
- Everything seems fine but you want to keep it that way
Call for repairs when:
- Something has stopped working
- You notice warning signs (flickering, tripping, warmth, smells)
- A specific component has failed
- You need to restore functionality
The smart approach combines both. Schedule regular maintenance to catch problems early, reducing emergency repairs. Many issues discovered during maintenance—loose connections, worn components, capacity concerns—can be addressed immediately at lower cost than emergency calls later.
If you've never had your electrical system inspected, start with a maintenance visit. The electrician will assess your overall system health and identify any repairs needed. This gives you a complete picture and helps prioritise any necessary work.
Conclusion
Electrical services in Singapore fall into four main categories: installation for adding new capacity, repairs for fixing faults, maintenance for preventing problems, and emergency services for immediate safety concerns.
Understanding these distinctions helps you communicate your needs clearly and get appropriate service. Most electrical work requires Licensed Electrical Workers—a requirement that protects your safety and ensures quality work.
Whether you need new installations during a renovation, repairs for a system that's developed faults, regular maintenance to prevent problems, or emergency response for an urgent situation, professional electricians provide the expertise to keep your electrical system safe and reliable.
For urgent electrical issues requiring immediate attention, our emergency electrician services are available 24/7.
