Most of us do not give much thought to electrical safety at home – until a power trip or faulty appliance disrupts our daily lives. But for Nick Yang and Ivan Lee from Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) Inspectorate Department, electrical safety is something they pay attention to every day, both at work and at home.

Nick and Ivan are part of the team that inspects electrical installations across Singapore to help ensure they are safe for workers, residents and the public. Their work takes them to construction sites, warehouses, event grounds and residential estates – environments where electrical systems must operate reliably and safely.

“We see ourselves as electrical detectives,” Nick said. “One of our roles is to look into feedback from the public and stakeholders on possible electrical safety issues, and work with Licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs) to resolve issues early before they become serious incidents.”

Spending so much time identifying risks has also shaped how Ivan and Nick approach electrical safety at home. Here are some habits they practise and recommend for every household.

One of the first things Nick looks out for at home is the condition of his electrical appliances. Damaged cables or burnt marks are clear warning signs that should not be ignored, and when he notices them, he replaces the affected appliances as soon as possible.

“Electrical hazards don’t happen overnight,” he explained. “Small warning signs should be taken seriously, as they can lead to bigger problems and risks over time.”

Nick also advised homeowners against troubleshooting electrical faults, such as frequent tripping, on their own. Purchasing electrical components, such as circuit breakers or cables, online for DIY replacement may also pose safety risks. Instead, he advises engaging a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) to properly diagnose and resolve electrical issues. This helps ensure that all electrical works are carried out safely and in compliance with Singapore’s standards, safeguarding the safety of occupants in the premises.

Ivan agreed, sharing that LEWs are the right people to call in such situations. “These are competent persons and will test the installation to make sure everything is safe before turning the power back on,” he said.

For Ivan, one common electrical risk at home is overloading power sockets. Plugging too many appliances into the same extension cord can cause overheating, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

“There is no fixed ‘correct number’ of appliances you can plug in, as each appliance’s power consumption differs. Two induction cookers, for example, will draw much more power than two laptop chargers,” he pointed out. 

Homeowners should therefore be mindful of the types of appliances connected to the same outlet and avoid using multiple high-power appliances on a single socket.

Nick also makes it a habit to switch off chargers when they are not in use. “I avoid charging devices overnight, and try to remember to turn off the power,” he said.

Both officers also highlight the importance of the Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB), a safety device that must be installed in all homes.

Nick explained that the RCCB works by monitoring the flow of electrical current.

“The RCCB is actually a device that measures the current back and forth,” he said. “If the current flowing into a circuit does not match the returning current, it could indicate that  current is leaking somewhere within the circuit. In such cases, the RCCB detects this imbalance and automatically cuts off the electricity supply.”

Such leakage can be caused by faulty appliances, loose connections or wiring issues.  When the RCCB trips, it serves as an important safety warning that should not be ignored. While homeowners can unplug the suspected appliance to see if the issue persists, proper diagnosis and repair should be carried out by a LEW if the issue continues or if the cause remain unclear.

Both Ivan and Nick also emphasised the importance of testing the RCCB regularly – ideally once a month – to ensure it is working properly. 

Homeowners can test their RCCB in three simple steps: 

Step 1: Locate the RCCB in your distribution board and click the “test” button. The switch should flip down, cutting off the power supply in your home. 

Step 2: Check the lights and power sockets. If the RCCB is working properly, the lights and appliances should not turn on. 

Step 3: Switch off all lights and power socket before flipping the RCCB switch back up to restore power.

If any circuits remain powered when the RCCB switch is flipped down, they are not protected by the RCCB.

In such cases, Ivan and Nick recommend engaging an LEW to inspect the installation. 

How to test a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) at home

“Most wiring is hidden, so you can’t assess safety just by looking,” Ivan noted. 

Nick agreed that professional checks are important, especially when warning signs appear. 

“If you are experiencing frequent power trips or have any electrical safety concerns, it’s worth engaging an LEW to carry out the necessary safety checks. It may come at a cost, but it’s a worthwhile investment for your safety and that of your loved ones,” he shared.