The Ultimate Homeowners Guide 2022 – Essential Electrical Fittings

The news of domestic fire has been making headlines in recent months. In May 2022 alone, there were three counts of serious fire incidents at Bedok, Serangoon Central and Bukit Merah chronologically. The incident at Bedok even claimed the precious lives of three people, including a three-year-old.

(Photos: Facebook/Singapore Civil Defence Force/CNA)

The main culprit of these fire hazards usually points to poor electrical fittings, especially in old mature estates, where electrical appliances are overused and proper checks are often overlooked. Coupled with the surge in the use of non-compliant Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) among the elderly and improper charging, all of these spell disasters.

Are your electrical sockets properly installed?
Are you using approved appliances and PMD?
What happens when there is a short circuit?

During a short circuit, electricity bypassed the normal loading and caused intense local heating.

In Singapore, all households are built with a distribution box consisting of circuit breakers. These are designed specially to stop the current from overflowing. If there is overloading, power-tripping will happen – all electrical supply to the appliances will be cut off.

Sometimes short circuit happens when electrical wiring come into contact due to damaged insulation.

(Photos: Singapore Civil Defence Force/CNA)

In cases of a short circuit, there are occasions when there is a massive spike which results in burning. If flammable objects are nearby, combustion will occur naturally.

Non-compliant PMD can also ignite from using batteries from an unreliable source, overcharging or using an incompatible charger.


Have you checked for the Safety Mark label in your appliances and the plugs?
Are you still using appliances with exposed wires?
What should you do to prevent such tragedy from happening to your household?

Here’s a checklist for you to look out for:

  • Ensure that you only use electrical appliances that bear the Safety Mark label
  • Switch off whenever the appliances are not in use
  • Check and replace appliances that have exposed wires
  • Prevent overloading the power sockets
  • Ensure that the electric cords do not run under rugs, furniture legs or hot appliances
  • Ensure that the fire extinguisher is kept at home. Replace the extinguisher when it expires.
  • Arrange for electrical wiring checks by professionals at regular intervals
  • Ensure that your house is protected with insurance

Regular wiring checks will save the life of yourself and your loved ones!
Have you ever engaged a professional electrician to check on your house?

If you are looking for a convenient solution, download Ovvy app to get started. Simply put up your request for electric wiring work for Ovvy’s professional merchant to take the job.


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