Rewiring · Guide
How Long Does HDB Wiring Last?
The short answer: wiring is commonly cited as having a design life of around 25 years, and it is worth reviewing from about 20. HDB advises replacing wiring once its lifespan is over or its condition has deteriorated, so judge by age and condition together, not age alone.
Why insulation ages
Cable does not last forever because its insulation slowly degrades, heat from years of current, Singapore’s humidity, and the ordinary stress of being loaded and unloaded all harden and embrittle it over time. Insulation that has gone brittle is the real concern: it is what stands between live conductors and everything else. That is why age is a useful proxy, but condition is the actual measure.
Signs of end-of-life wiring
Watch for frequent unexplained tripping, switches or sockets that feel warm or look discoloured, a faint burning smell, persistent flickering that is not the bulb, and visibly cracked or perished insulation. One of these might be a local fault; several together in an older flat point toward wiring that has reached the end of its service life.
What HDB advises
HDB’s guidance is to replace wiring when its lifespan is over or its condition has deteriorated, with all installation done by an EMA-licensed electrical worker in metal or high-impact PVC conduit. It is sensible, condition-based advice, not a fixed expiry date, but a prompt to assess rather than ignore.
A simple rewiring decision framework
Under ~20 years with no symptoms: almost certainly nothing to do. Around or past ~25 years, or showing warning signs: get a licensed electrician to assess, and treat rewiring as likely. Buying an older resale flat: fold an electrical inspection into your checks so you budget with eyes open. When in doubt, an inspection is far cheaper than a fault.