Oral reply to PQ on update on requirement for all homes to have residual current circuit breaker

Question

Ms Cheryl Chan Wei Ling: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry regarding the requirement for all homes to have residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) by July 2025 (a) what assistance will the Government provide to homeowners who are unable to assess if their circuit breakers satisfy the requirements; and (b) whether a subsidy will be made available for seniors or low-income families to install RCCBs at an affordable cost.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling)

1. The residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) is an electrical safety device that cuts off electricity supply immediately upon the detection of any leak, to guard against the risk of electric shock.

2. Since July 1985, all new homes are required to have RCCBs installed. For residential premises built before 1985, most would have undergone renovations and have had an RCCB installed. HDB has notified all residents living in 1-room and 2-room flats built before July 1985 of this requirement and will be progressively notifying residents living in 3-room and larger flats built before July 1985.

3. EMA has separately also notified all private property homeowners of this requirement. In their communications, both agencies have informed homeowners how to assess if their RCCBs are in good working condition. In addition, the helpline numbers for homeowners to call for assistance are included in their notification.

4. For those living in 1-room and 2-room flats built before July 1985, HDB has conducted door-to-door inspections and also completed RCCB installations for inspected units without an RCCB. For the minority of residents who did not respond to the earlier round of inspections, HDB will arrange for follow-up inspections and RCCB installations. HDB will also work with Grassroots Leaders to provide further assistance to elderly residents on this matter when needed.

5. Under HDB’s RCCB Installation Assistance Programme, the Government will fully subsidise the cost of RCCB installations for those living in 1-room and 2-room HDB flats built before July 1985. For those living in 3-room or larger flats that were built before July 1985, the Government will subsidise up to 95% of the cost of RCCB installations.

6. We encourage all homeowners to ensure that their homes are equipped with an RCCB, and that their circuit breakers are in good working condition. Homeowners who require further assistance can reach out to EMA or HDB for help.