Extreme Weather Conditions Affecting Outdoor Electrical Installations and Frequency of Checks on Electrical Installations
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Miss Cheng Li Hui’s inquiry regarding the impact of extreme weather on outdoor electrical installations and the required frequency of safety inspections. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong explained that EMA regulations and the SS638:2018 Code of Practice ensure installations are protected against environmental factors like rain and sunlight. He stated that while annual inspections are standard, installations in HDB estates and public areas must be inspected every six months by licensed electrical workers. The Minister noted that inspection frequencies are periodically reviewed based on safety risks and industry feedback. Additionally, EMA is exploring the feasibility of utilizing artificial intelligence and other technologies for real-time monitoring to enhance the electricity system's reliability.
Transcript
18 Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how does extreme weather conditions affect outdoor electrical installations; (b) whether there is a requirement for a minimum frequency of checks on electrical installations that applies to all town councils and LTA; (c) if so, whether this frequency will be increased; and (d) whether there are plans to deploy artificial intelligence technology to support this increase.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Weather conditions such as direct sunlight and heavy rain may accelerate the deterioration of electrical equipment. To address these risks, the Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA) regulates electrical installations in Singapore via the Electricity (Electrical Installations) Regulations. Under these regulations, both indoor and outdoor electrical installations must meet the technical requirements specified in Singapore’s Code of Practice for electrical installations (known as SS638:2018). These include minimum protection standards for electrical installations against direct sunlight and rain water, so that they can operate safely in a range of local weather conditions.
EMA requires electrical installations to be inspected and certified fit for operation by a licensed electrical worker (LEW) at least once a year, with electrical installations in higher-risk settings or premises subject to more regular inspection and certification. For example, electrical installations at construction sites must be inspected monthly, while those in HDB estates and public areas must be inspected at least once every six months. These requirements can be found at the following website: https://www.ema.gov.sg/cmsmedia/Handbook/Handbook_for_Application_of_Electrical_Installation_Licence.pdf.
EMA will review the frequency of inspections from time to time as needed, depending on various factors such as industry feedback on changes in safety risk of the electrical installations. EMA is also actively exploring ways to leverage technology to enhance the safety and reliability of the electricity system, including monitoring the real-time operating conditions of the electricity grid. EMA will study the suitability of deploying new technologies, including artificial intelligence, when they become available and feasible for deployment.