Do you need a surge protector in an HDB flat?

Surge protector in an HDB flat: what it does and does not do

A surge protector is meant to limit short voltage spikes before they reach the electronics plugged into it. That matters most for equipment you rely on, such as a computer, TV or router.

It is not a circuit breaker. The circuit breakers in your distribution board (DB box) are what switch off a circuit when there is a fault. A surge protector does not do that job, and it does not stop overloading. Plugging too many appliances into one strip is still a risk, whether or not the strip has surge protection.

It also does not replace simple habits: unplugging during heavy storms, choosing a strip with the right safety label and spreading the load across sockets.

Thunderstorms and power surges

The Meteorological Service Singapore climate page notes that afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, and that much of the rain is heavy and accompanied by thunder.

For a lightning power surge at home, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) gives plain advice. Its Emergency Handbook says that during lightning, if you are at home, you should unplug electrical appliances and other electronic items, such as computers, because power surges caused by lightning can damage these items. The same handbook says to avoid taking a shower or bath during lightning, as plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

A surge protector does not change that advice. Unplugging takes the device off the wiring altogether, so treat surge protection as an extra, not a replacement.

Check the SAFETY Mark on any power strip

Whatever you buy, safety comes before surge protection. The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) list of Controlled Goods includes multi-way adaptors, under standard SS 145-3:2020, and they must carry the SAFETY Mark. When you shop for a surge protector power strip in Singapore, look for the mark on the product before you pay.

CPSO's page on how to look for the SAFETY Mark explains that Controlled Goods must be tested to specified safety standards and affixed with the SAFETY Mark before they can be sold in Singapore. Each SAFETY Mark carries a unique 8-digit registration number. CPSO strongly advises consumers to buy only Controlled Goods that are affixed with a valid SAFETY Mark.

In practice, the SAFETY Mark on a multi-way adaptor comes first, and any surge protection feature comes second. A strip that promises surge protection but carries no valid mark is not one to bring home. Our guide to power strip overload explains how to avoid putting too much load on one strip.

Your DB box already protects the circuits

Your home already has protection built in. HDB's guide to electrical accessories and wiring explains that miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) trip on overload or short circuit. The same guide says to avoid overloading sockets and to unplug equipment when not in use.

CPSO's advice to check your home's circuit breaker regularly says the residual current circuit breaker cuts off electricity supply when leakage currents reach potentially unsafe levels. CPSO says you should test it monthly: push the test button, and the switch should trip. If it does not, contact a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) immediately. After the test, restore the switch.

A surge protector does not replace any of this. Our guide on how to read your DB box explains the labels and switches.

Don't overload sockets, surge protector or not

A surge protector does not make an overloaded socket safe. CPSO's electrical safety tips say that overloading socket outlets can cause fire hazards, and that you can consider installing more socket outlets. CPSO also says to keep liquids away from sockets.

If you find yourself plugging one strip into another, or running several heavy appliances from one socket, that is a sign you may need more points, not another strip. If the earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) in your DB box trips often, see our guide on what to do when your ELCB keeps tripping.

When to call a Licensed Electrician

HDB's electrical works guidelines say all wiring installation work must be carried out by an Energy Market Authority (EMA) licensed electrical worker. EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. EMA sets this out on its page about engaging licensed workers.

As practical advice, call a Licensed Electrician if switches trip often, if you notice a burning smell from a socket or plug, or if you want to add points so you rely less on power strips. Our guide to electrical work and LEWs covers who does what.

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