Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes

Debated in Parliament on 22 Sep 2025.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Minister for National Development was asked about electrical safety checks for HDB flats undergoing the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE).
Since 2021, HDB has conducted mandatory safety checks on Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) and water heater installations for flats under HIP, replacing faulty units at no cost to owners.
In 2024, 5% of flats under HIP had faulty RCCBs and 28% had non-compliant water heater installations, all of which were replaced by HDB.
For EASE, less than 1% of flats applying for rocker switches had faulty RCCBs, with HDB providing subsidized replacements for detected issues.
HDB does not track the compliance of lighting installations for flats applying for rocker switches under EASE.

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Full Transcript

Shawn Loh

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.

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.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Minister for National Development was asked about electrical safety checks for HDB flats undergoing the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE).
Since 2021, HDB has conducted mandatory safety checks on Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) and water heater installations for flats under HIP, replacing faulty units at no cost to owners.
In 2024, 5% of flats under HIP had faulty RCCBs and 28% had non-compliant water heater installations, all of which were replaced by HDB.
For EASE, less than 1% of flats applying for rocker switches had faulty RCCBs, with HDB providing subsidized replacements for detected issues.
HDB does not track the compliance of lighting installations for flats applying for rocker switches under EASE.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes | PAPERCUTS

Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes

Debated in Parliament on 22 Sep 2025.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Minister for National Development was asked about electrical safety checks for HDB flats undergoing the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE).
Since 2021, HDB has conducted mandatory safety checks on Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) and water heater installations for flats under HIP, replacing faulty units at no cost to owners.
In 2024, 5% of flats under HIP had faulty RCCBs and 28% had non-compliant water heater installations, all of which were replaced by HDB.
For EASE, less than 1% of flats applying for rocker switches had faulty RCCBs, with HDB providing subsidized replacements for detected issues.
HDB does not track the compliance of lighting installations for flats applying for rocker switches under EASE.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Shawn Loh

Chee Hong Tat

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Minister for National Development was asked about electrical safety checks for HDB flats undergoing the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE).
Since 2021, HDB has conducted mandatory safety checks on Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) and water heater installations for flats under HIP, replacing faulty units at no cost to owners.
In 2024, 5% of flats under HIP had faulty RCCBs and 28% had non-compliant water heater installations, all of which were replaced by HDB.
For EASE, less than 1% of flats applying for rocker switches had faulty RCCBs, with HDB providing subsidized replacements for detected issues.
HDB does not track the compliance of lighting installations for flats applying for rocker switches under EASE.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Shawn Loh

Chee Hong Tat

Summary

Questions Identified

Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Shawn Loh

Chee Hong Tat

Summary

Questions Identified