RCCB Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) Installation Assistance Programme for Flats Completed In and Before 1985

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HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD

10 July 2023

Resident

Address

Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) Installation Assistance Programme for Flats Completed In and Before 1985

Dear Resident,

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) had recently announced that all residential premises are required to be installed with a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) from 1 July 2023. As your flat was completed in or before 1985, you are eligible for the Housing & Development Board's (HDB) RCCB Installation Assistance Programme, that is if your flat does not already have a RCCB unit installed.

The RCCB, also previously known as the Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, is an electrical safety device that helps prevent electric shocks by automatically cutting off electricity supply within your home when it detects electricity leakages. Such leakages can be caused by ageing or exposed wires, faulty electrical appliances or damaged insulation.

Since July 1985, it has been a requirement for all new homes to be installed with RCCBs. For residential premises built before July 1985, most would have undergone renovations over the years, and would likely have their homes' electrical circuits rewired and installed with an RCCB in line with this requirement. However, a small number of residential premises built before July 1985 may still be using their original electrical circuits without an RCCB installed.

As your flat was completed in or before 1985, please do check if it is protected with an RCCB and to complete the survey form by scanning the QR code as provided below. To better help you, we have prepared full detailed information on how to identify an RCCB within the survey form.

If your flat is not protected with an RCCB, we will contact you to arrange for a visit to discuss what would be the works needed. The RCCB installation and necessary rewiring works will take between half a day to two days, depending on the extent of works needed.

The Government will subsidise up to 95% of the cost for RCCB installation and necessary rewiring works. Depending on your flat type, you will only need to pay between 5% and 12.5% of the cost (see Annex A for details).

Homeowners will be given a grace period of two years from the effective date of the requirement to install an RCCB. You must therefore ensure that your flat is installed with an RCCB by 1 July 2025. EMA or its appointed agent will conduct enforcement checks on homes after the two-year grace period, and homeowners who do not comply with the regulations may face a fine of up to $5,000 under EMA's Electricity (Electrical Installations) Regulations.

If you have already an RCCB installed, please ensure that it is functioning properly and effectively. If it is not, please engage a Licensed Electrical Worker to rectify the issue. If you have any questions regarding the above, you may contact the appointed Contractor Propell Integrated Pte Ltd Public Relations Officer (PRO) at 8382 1468 or HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Er. Lawrence Pak Yew Hock Director (Construction, Productivity and Mechanical & Electrical Department) Building Quality Group Housing & Development Board