Move-in day to your BTO flat is a joyous occasion; it shouldn’t be marred by any last-minute defect discovery that you missed and failed to address on time. The weeks preceding the day when you plan to move to your new home should be devoted to filing relevant Building and Construction Authority (BCA) reporting forms, activating your utilities, and most importantly, booking an appointment with a reliable defect check contractor who can spot even the most hidden potential fire hazards in your home. 

Statistical data from the Singapore Civil Defence Force show that fires started by faulty wiring and other electrical causes in 2022 comprise an alarming 24% of residential fires in Singapore. Don’t let your beautiful home be a part of this statistic. Do a quick check of these potential fire and electrical hazards that might be lurking in your HDB flat.

1. Outdated Wiring System

Wiring made from old and obsolete materials such as aluminum and knob-and-tube wiring are massive fire hazards. They may be just one power surge or two away from starting an electrical fire. You can always save money and get low-quality fixtures for your kitchen drawers and other utilitarian finishing items, but never skimp on your electrical wiring. Everything from the circuit breakers to the fuses must meet current safety standards. 

2. Unprotected Power Outlets

It makes sense to never install a power outlet in an area that’s totally exposed to the elements, most especially direct sun and rain. In a flood-prone ground-floor area, there shouldn’t be any power outlets anywhere near the floor. 

3. Excessive Use of Extension Cords

Every power outlet and socket in your BTO flat has a maximum rating. You might want to familiarize yourself with the maximum wattage that your outlets are designed to handle and consistently use them as a guide each time you plug in extension cords for convenient access to power.

4. Wiring Stowed Underneath Flammable or Heavy Objects

For obvious reasons, there’s a massive risk involved in running wires under a carpet or an area rug. Cloth fabrics are flammable, and wires can heat up depending on the load they are carrying. Placing wires under built-in furniture or any heavy object continuously pressing down on them must also be avoided. Compressive force applied to electrical wiring increases the temperature of the wires and can lead to electrical arcing. This is why it’s important to engage with a competent defect check contractor, who can spot these hidden electrical fire hazards and correct them before you move in to your new home.

An important aside: HDB residents should familiarize themselves with the placement of the circuit breaker or Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) in their flat. It is located in the distribution board (DB box), which is more commonly known as the circuit breaker box. It is essentially a switch that comes with a Test button. The Energy Market Authority of Singapore has this explainer on the RCCB.