Isolator installation prices in the directory

Five companies list an isolator line, all priced per job, from S$60 to S$170 per job. S$120 is the middle company's own published rate, as printed. Each line is for one isolator.

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Published isolator rates

For the most common unit (per job), the lowest published isolator rates from 5 companies run from S$60 to S$170 per job (middle rate S$120), for one isolator. The middle figure is a real published rate, not an average. Each figure is one company's own advertised rate with its conditions, not a quote.

See 5 published isolator rates and sources
Lowest matching advertised rate per company, in SGD as published. "From" marks a starting price and ranges are shown in full. Check the source for minimums, GST and inclusions.
CompanyService as listedRateSource
Fix My HeaterELCB / Isolator SwitchS$60 to S$100 per jobfixmyheater.sg
Repair.sgIsolator replacementFrom S$120 per jobrepair.sg
Yong Jin Solutions Engineering Pte LtdAircon isolator installationFrom S$120 to S$180+ per jobyongjinelectrical.sg
81 ElectricalAircon isolator (15A / 20A)From S$160 per job81electrical.com
Saikon Contractors20A isolator point for aircon compressorS$170 per jobsaikon.com.sg

The lines are worded differently, so read each one before you compare. Three of the 5 name aircon isolators: one runs from S$120 to S$180+ per job, one starts from S$160 per job for a 15A or 20A isolator, and one is S$170 per job for a 20A point for an aircon compressor. Another is printed as "Isolator replacement" from S$120 per job.

The lowest line is printed as "ELCB / Isolator Switch" at S$60 to S$100 per job. It names an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) as well as an isolator switch, so ask what each line covers.

What an isolator does

An isolator is a switch that lets the circuit to one appliance be switched off, so that appliance can be cut off from power on its own.

For aircon, HDB's air-conditioner installation guidelines say the running current is restricted by a 20A double pole isolator or a 15A power point. HDB also says the owner and installer must check, before installing, that the total running current of the condensing units does not exceed the approved electrical rating. Planning a new unit? Compare aircon installation prices too.

For water heaters, the Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) says a heater should be wired directly to the mains through a double pole switch, not connected to a 3-pin socket outlet. It also says to hire a licensed electrical worker for the wiring and not to use extension cords or multi-way outlets.

Aircon and water heater isolators

HDB's electrical works guidelines say appliances rated above 15amps are not allowed, and a 20amps isolator is only allowed for aircon installation. For an aircon isolator replacement or a new aircon point, the isolator lines above are the ones to compare.

For a water heater isolator, the Ministry of National Development (MND) said in a written answer to Parliament in 2018 that water heaters should be connected to a 20 ampere socket switch, not a normal 3-pin socket that supports 13 amperes. Ask the electrician to state the switch rating for your heater on the quote.

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Published water heater point rates

For the most common unit (per job), the lowest published water heater point rates from 6 companies run from S$60 to S$180 per job (middle rate S$120), for one water heater point or connection. The middle figure is a real published rate, not an average.

See 7 published water heater point rates and sources
Lowest matching rate per company, in SGD as published.
CompanyService as listedRateSource
Mr Electrician Pte LtdConnect Water HeaterS$50mrelectrician.sg
Repair.sgWater heater installationFrom S$60 per jobrepair.sg
Skyteam Electrical Pte LtdInstant Water Heaters (storage-less)S$60 per jobskyteamelectrical.sg
Sparkflow Pte LtdWater heater installationFrom S$120 per jobsparkflow.com.sg
Yong Jin Solutions Engineering Pte LtdWater heater point (with isolator & MCB)From S$120 to S$200 per jobyongjinelectrical.sg
81 ElectricalWater heater isolator (20A)From S$160 per job81electrical.com
Alpha & Omega Trinity Pte LtdWater HeaterFrom S$180 per jobaotrinitysg.com

Seven companies publish a water heater point line. Six price it per job, from S$60 to S$180 per job, with S$120 in the middle: both middle rates in that even-numbered group are S$120, so it is a real published rate. The seventh, "Connect Water Heater" at S$50, is printed without a unit. Each line is for one point or connection. One includes an isolator, from S$120 to S$200 per job, and a 20A isolator line starts from S$160 per job.

Permits and who does the work

HDB's electrical works guidelines say a new 20amps isolator needs an HDB permit in flats provided with a 30amps main switch. Flats with a 40amps main switch, or upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) or Home Improvement Programme (HIP), need no permit. HDB says blocks completed since 1994 have a 40amps main switch. The same rule covers a new 15amps power point; see the power point installation cost guide.

Not sure which main switch your flat has? Ask the electrician, and see how to read your DB box. The Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) may apply for the permit.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) lists replacing switches and power points as work for an LEW. EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. EMA also says to verify the LEW's licence card before any work starts; you can search licensed workers on its ELISE portal.

Replacement signs and safety

EMA's electrical safety advice says not to use cracked or broken power points or extension sockets, and to have damaged ones replaced by an LEW. It also says not to touch an open outlet or switch with wet hands.

As practical guidance, treat a cracked cover or scorch marks on an isolator as reasons to stop using the appliance and call a Licensed Electrician. For heaters, the CPSO says not to use one that appears damaged or is leaking, and not to repair it yourself.

NEXT STEP

See electrical companies in the directory with their published prices, the areas they say they cover and their sources.

Compare electricians

What a fair quote should list

Compare each quote with the published rates above and wider electrical costs. Ask each company to list:

  • Isolator rating. For example, a 20A double pole isolator for an aircon.
  • New point or replacement. Whether the job adds an isolator or replaces one.
  • Cable run and trunking. HDB's guidelines do not allow new wiring to be embedded in walls, slabs or plaster, so new cable runs in surface trunking, above a false ceiling or behind carpentry.
  • HDB permit. Whether your flat needs one and who applies.
  • SP Services testing. EMA says new wiring, rewiring and extensions must be tested by an authorised officer from SP Services before supply is turned on.
  • Call-out fee. Whether one applies; see the electrician call-out fee guide.

Questions

How much does an aircon isolator cost?

Published isolator rates run from S$60 to S$170 per job across 5 companies, with S$120 in the middle. Three of those 5 lines name aircon isolators, and S$120 is one company's own published rate. Ask whether the price covers a new point or a replacement, the cable run and any permit.

Do I need an HDB permit for an isolator?

Only for a new 20A isolator in a flat with a 30 amp main switch. HDB's electrical works guidelines say flats with a 40 amp main switch, including blocks completed since 1994 and flats upgraded under MUP or HIP, need no permit. Your LEW may apply for it.

Can a handyman replace an isolator?

No. EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. EMA's list of LEW work includes replacing switches. Check the electrician's licence card before work starts.

Does a water heater need an isolator?

It needs a double pole switch rather than a 3-pin plug. The CPSO says a heater should be wired directly to the mains through one. MND's written answer in 2018 says heaters should use a 20 ampere socket switch, not a 13 ampere 3-pin socket.

Why does my isolator feel hot?

Stop using the appliance and call a Licensed Electrician to find the cause. Do not touch the isolator again, especially if it is wet or scorched. If the appliance has a remote, switch it off there. If you see smoke or fire, or someone is hurt, call 995.

Does the price include the HDB permit?

Ask the electrician. None of the 5 published isolator lines mentions a permit. If your flat has a 30 amp main switch and you need a new 20A isolator, ask whether the LEW will apply for the permit and whether that is in the price.

Sources

Prices come only from the sourced company rates in the HomezyPro directory, shown with each company and its source.

About this guide

Practical guidance for planning a home job in Singapore. Company prices come from the HomezyPro directory, each linked to its source; rules and safety points link to the agency or manufacturer that sets them. This is not a site inspection, a quote or professional advice for your home.

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