Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the mandatory electrical safety checks performed for flats under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme. Mr Shawn Loh asked about the specific checks conducted, the proportion of flats with safety issues in 2024, and the assistance provided to households. Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB replaces faulty Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) for free under HIP and at a subsidized rate under EASE. In 2024, faulty RCCBs were detected in 5% of HIP flats and less than 1% of EASE flats, while 28% of HIP flats had non-compliant water heater installations. All detected faults were rectified, though HDB does not track non-compliant lighting installations that flat owners must rectify independently through licensed electrical workers.
Transcript
69 Mr Shawn Loh asked the Minister for National Development for HDB flats that undergo works as part of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) (a) what mandatory electrical safety checks are performed; (b) what proportion of such flats in 2024 was found with electrical safety issues that may increase the risk of fires; and (c) what assistance was provided to such flat owners.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Since 2021, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has been performing safety checks on the existing Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) for all flats undergoing the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). Any faulty RCCBs detected during these checks are immediately replaced, with the costs fully borne by HDB. HDB also checks the existing water heater electrical installations and offers to upgrade installations that are not compliant with prevailing regulations.
Under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, should households apply to replace their existing light switches with rocker switches, HDB similarly performs safety checks on the existing RCCBs, as well as the electrical wires connected to the light switches. Any faulty RCCBs and electrical wiring detected during these checks are replaced at a subsidised cost for residents. If HDB finds a lighting installation that is not compliant with prevailing regulations, HDB will advise the flat owner to engage a licensed electrical worker to rectify the installation, before replacing the light switches with rocker switches.
In 2024, around 5% and 28% of flats that underwent HIP were found with faulty RCCBs and non-compliant water heater electrical installations respectively. Less than 1% of flats that applied for rocker switches under EASE were found with faulty RCCBs. All faulty RCCBs and non-compliant water heater electrical installations have since been replaced. HDB does not track the number of flats that applied for rocker switches under EASE and were found with non-compliant lighting installations.