Light switch replacement: who may do it
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says electrical work at home should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). Its page on engaging Licensed Electrical Workers lists the addition, extension or replacement of power points such as socket-outlets, switches or lighting points. So even swapping a switch for an identical model is work for an LEW.
The class of LEW you need depends on the scale of the installation, according to EMA. A Licensed Electrician covers approved loads not exceeding 45kVA, at 1,000V and below, while Licensed Electrical Technicians and Licensed Electrical Engineers handle larger installations. 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 electrical safety guidance adds that the LEW inspects and certifies that the installation is safe before supply is turned on. You can check whether a person is licensed on EMA's ELISE portal or by calling 6835 8075. When you contact a Licensed Electrician, ask for the name on the licence so you can look it up.
What HDB allows
HDB's renovation guidelines for electrical works say all wiring installation work must be carried out by an LEW. Additional 13amps power points, lighting points or fan points, extension of wiring and rewiring need no HDB permit. Two conditions apply: wiring may not be embedded in reinforced concrete slabs, beams, columns, walls, wall plaster or other finishes, and SP Services Form CS/5H endorsed by HDB must be submitted for testing of the new wiring.
A like-for-like switch replacement in an HDB flat needs no HDB permit either, but it is still work for an LEW. When electrical renovation work is complete, HDB says to apply to SP Services for testing through your LEW. For the wider picture, see electrical renovation rules in HDB flats.
Smart switches
A smart switch is still a switch, so fitting one is replacement work for an LEW like any other. Before you buy, ask the electrician whether your switch box suits the model you have in mind.
The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) says 33 categories of household electrical, electronic and gas appliances and accessories are Controlled Goods. These must be tested to specified safety standards and carry the SAFETY Mark before they can be sold in Singapore. Products that are not Controlled Goods do not need the mark.
Each mark is the safety logo with the words "SAFETY MARK" and a unique 8-digit registration number. CPSO says to search the Register of Registered Controlled Goods by model number or by that 8-digit number, then check that the mark has not expired and the product details match. For more, see SAFETY Mark explained.
Signs a switch needs replacing
Have an LEW check a switch if you notice any of these:
- The plate is cracked or broken. EMA's electrical safety guidance says not to use cracked or broken power points and to have damaged ones replaced by an LEW.
- The switch sparks, buzzes or feels warm when you use it.
- The light flickers when you touch the switch.
Stop using a switch that shows any of these signs. If the switch looks fine but the light still will not come on, see light not working for other possible causes.
What it costs
FROM THE HOMEZYPRO DIRECTORY
Published call-out rates
For the most common unit (per visit), the lowest published call-out rates from 4 companies run from S$40 to S$300 per visit, per visit, before any repair. Each figure is one company's own advertised rate with its conditions, not a quote.
See 4 published call-out rates and sources
| Company | Service as listed | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix My Heater | Transport & inspection fee (waived when repair proceeds) | S$40 per visit | fixmyheater.sg |
| Sin & Goh Electrical Engineering | Basic attendance / call-out fee | S$40 to S$80 per visit | wireman.com.sg |
| Yeobuild HomeRepair | Call-Out Charges | S$70.85 per visit | yeobuild.com.sg |
| Mirza M&E Engineering Pte.Ltd. | Call-out | S$300 per visit | mirzaengineering.com.sg |
In the directory, 4 companies publish a call-out line, all priced per visit and before any repair. As printed, their lowest published rates run from S$40 to S$300 per visit, with middle rates of S$40 and S$70.85 including GST per visit as printed. One S$40 line is a transport and inspection fee waived when the repair proceeds, and another company prints S$40 to S$80 per visit. The electrician call-out fee guide explains how these charges work.
FROM THE HOMEZYPRO DIRECTORY
Published light installation rates
For the most common unit (per job), the lowest published light installation rates from 4 companies run from S$15 to S$97 per job, to install one light fitting.
See 7 published light installation rates and sources
| Company | Service as listed | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sembawang Lighting House Pte Ltd | LED light installation, from | From S$8 per light | sembawanglightinghouse.com |
| AVV Engineering Pte Ltd | Labour to Replace / Install Light | S$15 per job | avvelectrical.com |
| Lito Electrical Service | Light Installation | From S$20 per job | litoelectrical.com |
| Mr Electrician Pte Ltd | Installation of Ceiling Light | S$30 | mrelectrician.sg |
| Repair.sg | Light supply and install | From S$55 per job | repair.sg |
| 1st Electrical Services | Install / replace down light (light fitting provided by the owner) | From S$97 | sg-electrician.com |
| Spower Electrician Services | Install hanging or deco light (owner supplies fitting), with existing point | From S$97 per job | spower.com.sg |
For the job itself, 7 companies publish a light installation line. Of these, 4 price it per job to install one light fitting, and their lowest published rates run from S$15 to S$97 per job as printed, with no single middle rate. The others print "From S$8 per light", S$30 printed without a unit, and "From S$97" printed without a unit. See light installation for more on that job.
Ask what each quote includes: the visit, the switch itself, labour and testing. For more published rates, compare electrician costs or browse electricians in the directory.
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Compare electriciansQuestions
Can I change a light switch myself?
No. EMA lists the replacement of power points such as switches among the electrical work at home that should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). That covers a simple like-for-like swap too. Hire an LEW for the job, and ask to see the licence card before any work starts.
Do I need a permit to change switches in an HDB flat?
No HDB permit is needed for like-for-like switches. HDB's electrical works guidelines also list additional lighting points and extension of wiring as no-permit work, provided the wiring is not embedded in walls, slabs or plaster and SP Services Form CS/5H endorsed by HDB is submitted for testing. The work is still for a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW).
Can I add a new light switch in a different spot?
In an HDB flat, yes, with a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) doing the work. HDB lists additional lighting points and extension of wiring as no-permit work, but the wiring may not be embedded in walls, slabs or plaster, so it runs in surface trunking. SP Services Form CS/5H endorsed by HDB is submitted for testing of the new wiring.
Do smart switches work in HDB flats?
Your electrician can tell you, because it depends on the model and your switch box. Ask before you buy. Where the product is a Controlled Good, look up its 8-digit SAFETY Mark number on the register, as the Consumer Product Safety Office advises.
Why does my light switch spark?
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) needs to find the cause, so stop using the switch until it has been checked. EMA says not to use cracked or broken power points and to have damaged ones replaced by an LEW. Do not touch the switch with wet hands, and call 995 if there is fire, smoke or someone is hurt.
What does a switch replacement quote include?
A clear quote states whether the call-out charge, the switch itself, labour and testing are included, so ask about anything it leaves out. The call-out table above shows how visits are priced, and one published fee is waived when the repair proceeds. Before work starts, EMA says to verify the Licensed Electrical Worker's licence card.
Prices come only from the sourced company rates in the HomezyPro directory, shown with each company and its source.
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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