While Singapore has seen its economic boom relatively recently, it still has a lot of old architecture. From traditional Malay houses to the earliest HDB flats, the Lion City is lush with buildings that may require electrical rewiring. But while many may deem the task daunting, it’s one of the best renovation ideas out there. Choosing an electrician will ensure you follow the rules and regulations. Moreover, it will add safety and value, making your home modern and convenient. Read on to learn how such a service will make your old Singapore home more appealing in the long run:
Why Rewiring Is Crucial for Older Singapore Homes
If your home was built before the 1990s, it likely needs electrical rewiring. While the situation is not unique to Singapore, plenty of HDB flats and private residences still lack modern wiring. However, the ever-increasing demand for electricity by all the modern home amenities often causes outdated electrical systems to fail and cause short circuits and even fires. Here’s why rewiring is crucial in such cases:
Safety hazards
HDB flats have seen exponential growth in household appliance use in the past two decades. This fact overlaps with the increase in the population living in such housing buildings, resulting in a surge in the use of modern electronics.
From flat-screen TVs to gaming PCs and AC units, these homes consume more energy than ever. When old wiring is overloaded, it overheats and becomes a fire hazard. According to Singapore Fire Safety experts, the leading cause of residential fires is faulty electrical wiring.
Up to code
Building codes are constantly updated to improve safety, but older homes were constructed under outdated standards. When it comes to new electrical installation services, Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Housing and Development Board (HDB), and the Energy Market Authority (EMA) provide strict guidelines to ensure proper and uniform maintenance. In this regard, hiring a professional will ensure a safe and efficient installation that’s up to code with the current building codes is crucial.
Increased home value
Selling your home in Singapore is becoming increasingly competitive due to the spike in the quality of modern homes. If you’re looking for a BTO resale renovation, a rewiring job should be your top priority. After all, everybody wants a modern, code-compliant electrical system, and this is the best way to increase your property value by a leap.
What a Full Electrical Rewiring Entails
As expected, a complete electrical rewiring takes much more than changing a few sockets. Of course, you would need to hire a certified electrician to inspect the existing system and provide an accurate quote for the work. The expert can then proceed with the following steps to fulfil the electrical rewiring task:
- Remove the existing wiring system. This step includes everything from cables in walls and floors to sockets and outlets. The electrician then installs new PVC-sheathed wiring with proper grounding to accommodate more powerful appliances.
- Installing a new consumer unit. Residual current devices (RCDs) are mandatory for all new electrical systems, as they provide safety and peace of mind to neighbouring residents. If there’s a fault, RCDs cut power, reducing the risks of electric shocks or fire.
- New back boxes and faceplates. Modern regulations require fitting new back boxes and faceplates for switches, sockets, TV and phone points. Lighting circuits are rewired with new pendants and fittings. Smoke and intruder alarms are connected to the new power circuits.
Finding the Right Electrical Service in Singapore for Your Rewiring Project
Undoubtedly, a full rewiring of your electrical system will make your old home as good as new! But how do you find the best value for your reno budget? Here are a few suggestions to consider:
HDB Rewiring Packages
If you live in an HDB flat, the HDB offers affordable rewiring packages to upgrade your electrical system. They work with licensed electrical contractors to rewire flats that are more than 20 years old, installing new circuit breakers, wiring, power sockets, and lighting. The basic package covers essential repairs, while premium packages include additional wiring for air-conditioning, renovations, and indoor generators.
Professional Electrical Contractors
Carrying out electrical works in HDB flats requires full compliance with the Singapore Standard CP5: Code of Practice for Electrical Installations. In this regard, you must ensure you hire a professional electrical contractor like AT Electrical. The company has all the credentials and licensing to provide bespoke rewiring of lighting and power circuits, adding new sockets, and more. Ultimately, you’ll get reasonably priced convenience while meeting Singapore’s safety standards.
Final Thoughts
Arguably, Singapore has a long history in residential buildings and architecture. Living in traditional Malay houses and black-and-white bungalows is a rarity. However, some HDB flats already fall under the “old home” category. While they immediately lose their value, their wiring deteriorates over time, making them dangerous for their residents.
If you live in an old home, upgrading the electrical system is a no-brainer. After all, who wouldn’t need more outlets, dimming lighting and the ability to use the latest appliances and tech gadgets at home? Of course, it may cost more upfront, but the investment will surely pay off in the long run. So, if you want to increase the value and enjoyment you get from your Singapore home, electrical rewiring service is an excellent investment.