What does HDB electrical load upgrading mean for a 30A flat?

What the HDB Electrical Load Upgrading Programme is

The Electrical Load Upgrading Programme (ELUP) raises the electrical supply to flats in older blocks. In a written answer on prioritisation, the Ministry of National Development (MND) says that under ELUP, HDB will upgrade the unit electrical power supply for about 1,500 older HDB blocks from 30A to 40A. Given the large number of flats, MND says the upgrading works will be carried out in phases.

The two figures are the rating of the flat's main switch, in amps. A flat on 40A can draw more power at one time than a flat on 30A.

In daily life, that matters most for heavy appliances. A higher supply lets more of them, such as aircon, a water heater and an oven, run together without tripping the main switch. On 30A, you need to be more careful about running several of them at once.

What the programme means for you depends on your flat's current rating, so check that first.

Is your flat 30A or 40A?

HDB's renovation guidelines for electrical works say that HDB blocks completed in or after 1994, or that have undergone the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) or the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), are provided with the higher electrical loading of a 40amps main switch. HDB says you may check the electrical loading of your block if you are unsure. So a block completed before 1994 that has not been through MUP or HIP may still be on 30A, and the switch itself is the surer check.

The rating is marked on the main switch in your DB box. Read the label without opening any cover or touching the switches. Our guide on how to read your DB box shows which switch is the main one and what its markings mean.

If you still cannot tell, ask HDB about your block's electrical loading.

How blocks are picked and when you hear

MND's answer on prioritisation explains how blocks are chosen. Whenever possible, HDB will prioritise ELUP for blocks selected for HIP and the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP), to minimise inconvenience to residents. Blocks in close proximity are grouped so that fewer new electrical substations are needed.

So if your block has been selected for HIP or NRP, it may be among the blocks prioritised for the HDB 30A to 40A upgrade, and nearby blocks may be grouped with it. Our guide to the HDB Home Improvement Programme explains how HIP works.

For timing, MND's answer on Nee Soon South says the ELUP design consultants are carrying out site feasibility studies and developing detailed design proposals. HDB will engage stakeholders, including grassroots leaders and residents, once the design and upgrading plans are ready.

Until you hear from HDB, plan around the rating you have now.

Living with a 30A main switch until then

HDB's electrical works page says you need not apply for a permit from HDB to install an air-conditioner or higher capacity electrical equipment or appliances if your flat has the higher electrical loading. HDB's guidelines give separate conditions for flats with a 30amps main switch, so check that page before you add a heavy appliance.

If a new aircon is on your list, our guide to HDB aircon installation rules covers what to check for a 30A flat.

Day to day, a few habits help a 30A supply cope:

• Spread heavy loads, such as the water heater, oven, aircon and dryer, across the day instead of running them all at once.
• Avoid running several heavy appliances from one power strip.
• Note when the main switch trips and what was running at the time.

If the main switch keeps tripping even after you spread the load, call a Licensed Electrician rather than adding more appliances.

Renovating before your block is upgraded

If you renovate while your flat is still on 30A, plan the electrical side with care. HDB's electrical works page says all wiring installation work must be carried out by an Energy Market Authority (EMA) Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW), and HDB does not allow wiring to be embedded in the structure. New wiring runs in surface trunking, above a false ceiling or behind carpentry.

EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. For more, see EMA's page on engaging licensed electrical workers.

Tell the LEW your main switch rating before any new circuits are planned. A layout drawn up for a 40A flat may not suit one still on 30A.

For the details, see our guides to HDB electrical renovation rules and which electrical jobs call for an LEW.

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