How much does electrician cost in Singapore?
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Key takeaways
- Most electrician jobs in Singapore land between SGD 40–SGD 4,500 — known locally as electrician (lew for licensed electrical work).
- Singapore requires electrical installation work to be done by or under EMA-licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs), and HDB flats have additional renovation rules for electrical works. Minor repairs like replacing a light or fan don't need an LEW, but circuits, rewiring, and DB box work do.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Electrician prices by job size in Singapore
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light or fan installation Install fixture or ceiling fan on existing point | SGD 40 | SGD 80 | SGD 150 |
| Add power point New socket on existing circuit | SGD 80 | SGD 130 | SGD 250 |
| Dedicated aircon circuit New circuit from DB for aircon, by LEW | SGD 300 | SGD 550 | SGD 900 |
| Full flat rewiring Rewire a 4-room HDB flat incl. new DB | SGD 1,500 | SGD 2,800 | SGD 4,500 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per job (minor) | SGD 50 | SGD 100 | SGD 250 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Singapore typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a electrician pro in Singapore
- For electrical installation work (rewiring, DB box changes, new circuits), verify the contractor works under an EMA-licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) — required by Singapore law
- For HDB flats, check HDB's renovation rules — electrical works in flats must follow HDB guidelines and use appropriate contractors
- Get a fixed per-job quote including transport — per-job pricing is the norm; confirm surcharges for after-hours
- Check the company is ACRA-registered with reviews for your job type
- Ask for warranty on workmanship (30-90 days common)
- For older flats, ask about the DB box condition before adding aircon or high-load appliances
Red flags
- Rewiring or DB box work without an LEW involved
- Teaser prices that double with transport and 'complexity' surcharges on site
- No ACRA-registered entity behind the listing
- No receipt or warranty
- Proposing to overload existing circuits rather than running a proper new circuit for aircon or heaters
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to SGD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Singapore handyman platform per-job listings (Everyworks-type norms); EMA LEW licensing framework.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrician cost?
Electricians charge an hourly rate plus, often, a call-out or service fee covering travel and the first period on site. Small jobs (replace a socket, install a light fixture) are usually a minimum-charge visit; bigger jobs like panel upgrades or rewiring are quoted fixed. Batch small jobs into one visit — the minimum charge dominates the cost of single small tasks.
What is a panel or consumer unit upgrade, and when do I need one?
The panel (consumer unit, fuse board, DB board) distributes power to your circuits. Upgrades are needed when it uses obsolete fuses, lacks modern safety devices (RCD/GFCI/RCBO protection), trips constantly, or can't support new loads like an EV charger or induction range. It is regulated work in most countries and usually requires certification or inspection — budget for a licensed pro, never DIY.
Should I get multiple quotes for electrical work?
For anything beyond a minimum-charge visit, yes — two or three. Insist each quote covers the same scope: number of points, certification included, chasing and making good walls, and parts brands. The cheapest quote often excludes certification or wall repair; the comparison only means something on identical scope.
Why do older homes cost more for electrical work?
Older properties bring surprises: cloth-insulated or aluminium wiring, missing earth conductors, buried junction boxes, and panels with no spare capacity. Electricians price this risk in, and mid-job discoveries produce variation orders. If your home is 40+ years old and hasn't been rewired, an inspection first is money well spent — it converts unknowns into a priced list.
How much does it cost to replace a light fixture or ceiling fan?
A straightforward swap on an existing, sound circuit is typically a minimum-charge visit of under an hour. Costs rise when the fixture is heavy (needs a rated box or bracing), ceilings are high (ladder or scaffold work), or the existing wiring turns out to be degraded. Buying the fixture yourself and paying labour-only is normal and usually cheapest.
How much does an electrician cost in Singapore?
Per-job pricing dominates: light or fan installation runs S$40-S$150, adding a power point S$80-S$250, and full HDB flat rewiring S$1,500-S$4,500 depending on flat size and points. Transport fees of S$30-S$50 are common; after-hours work carries a surcharge.
When do I legally need an LEW in Singapore?
Electrical installation work — new wiring, new circuits, DB box replacement, and anything affecting the fixed installation — must be carried out by or under an EMA-licensed Electrical Worker. Simple replacements (light fittings, fans on existing points) can be done by regular electricians or handymen.
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