Embarking on a home renovation or tackling an urgent repair is often a balancing act between expectations and budget. When quotes for various services start to add up, the temptation to cut costs can be overwhelming. However, the risks of hiring an unlicensed electrician are severe and may far outweigh any potential cost savings.
1) It’s Actually Illegal To Hire An Unlicensed Electrician
In Singapore, the Electricity Act mandates that all electrical installation, repair, and maintenance work must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). This includes tasks such as:
- Installing new wiring or rewiring a property.
- Adding, extending, or replacing power points, switches, or lighting points.
- Repairing or replacing consumer control units or circuit breakers.
Simple tasks like changing light bulbs or installing water heaters, electrical equipment, or appliances do not require a licensed electrician unless the work involves wiring.
Crucially, the law creates a dual responsibility that directly involves the homeowner. It is not only illegal for an unlicensed person to perform the work, but it is also an offense for a consumer to knowingly engage someone who is not a licensed electrical worker.
2) Improper Electrical Work Endanger Lives & Property
A licensed electrician, also known as a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) in Singapore, has passed stringent government-approved examinations, and accumulated practical experience to be certified by the EMA (Energy Market Authority).
Licensed electricians are trained to understand electrical loads, use correct wiring techniques, and adhere to strict safety codes to prevent these very outcomes. An unlicensed individual, lacking this critical knowledge, can make catastrophic errors.
Fire Hazards
Faulty electrical work is a leading cause of residential fires in Singapore. There have been multiple news reports highlighting fire incidents involving HDB flats in recent years.
Using undersized wires that overheat, overloading circuits, making loose connections that arc and spark, or failing to install proper protective devices can easily ignite surrounding materials. These fires can be particularly destructive and difficult to extinguish.
Electric Shock
Incorrectly wired outlets, poor grounding, or exposed live wires create a severe risk of electric shock, which can cause serious burns, neurological damage, heart failure, and death. Tragic incidents in Singapore, such as the fatal electrocution of a family due to a faulty water heater plug, serve as a stark reminder of these dangers.
Equipment Damage
Power surges and improper voltage resulting from shoddy electrical work can permanently damage or destroy expensive home appliances, from refrigerators and air-conditioners to sensitive electronics like computers and televisions.
3) It Might End Up Being More Expensive To Hire An Unlicensed Electrician
The initial cost savings from hiring an unlicensed worker might lead to much larger expenses and financial liabilities down the road.
Voided Home Insurance
In the event of an electrical fire or other related incident, insurance companies will investigate the cause. If it is discovered that the work was performed by an unlicensed individual, the homeowner’s insurance policy can be voided. This leaves the homeowner personally liable for the full cost of repairs, property loss, and any third-party damages, which can be financially ruinous.
Nullified Product Warranties
Manufacturers of major appliances like air-conditioners, water heaters, and ovens often stipulate in their warranty terms that the product must be installed by a licensed professional. Using an unlicensed installer can immediately void the warranty, leaving the homeowner with no recourse if the appliance fails.
Substandard Workmanship
Unlicensed workers often cut corners to save time and money, leading to shoddy and incomplete work that can cause long-term electrical problems and higher repair costs in the future.
4) Lack Of Accountability When Hiring An Unlicensed Electrician
No Warranty Or Recourse: A licensed electrician stands by their work, often providing a warranty for their services. If an issue arises, they are accountable to both the customer and the EMA.
An unlicensed worker offers no such guarantee. If their work fails or causes damage, they may become unreachable, leaving the homeowner with no way to hold them accountable. Any damage, injury, or loss will likely be your responsibility.
Conclusion
What’s next? Check out our guide on how to find and how to choose a reliable electrician in Singapore or find out how much it cost to get your electrical work done with our price guide.
