Your home’s electrical panel, often referred to as the DB box (Distribution Board) in Singapore, is the heart of your electrical system. It controls the flow of electricity to all the circuits in your home, from your lighting to your air-conditioning and kitchen appliances. But just like any other system, it can wear out over time—and when it does, the risks of power outages, fire hazards, and electrical shock rise significantly.
If you live in an older HDB flat, condo, or landed property, it’s essential to know the signs that your electrical panel needs replacement, and when to call a licensed electrician in Singapore.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including:
- 🔍 Warning signs of a failing electrical panel
- 🔧 When replacement is necessary
- 💰 Estimated replacement costs in Singapore
- ✅ How to hire a trusted electrician
What is an Electrical Panel (DB Box)?
An electrical panel or distribution board (DB box) is a metal box that houses circuit breakers and distributes electricity from your main power source to individual circuits around your home.
Each circuit controls a section of your home, such as:
- Lighting
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioners
- Water heaters
- Kitchen appliances
The DB box also contains safety devices like the:
- Circuit Breakers (MCBs): Automatically trip during overloads or short circuits.
- Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs): Protect against electric shocks by detecting leakage currents.
Over time, these components can degrade, especially in properties that are more than 20 years old or have undergone major electrical changes.
7 Warning Signs That Your Electrical Panel Needs Replacing
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuit breakers trip often—even when you’re not running many appliances—this is a sign that your panel is struggling to keep up with the load.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
When lights flicker or dim while appliances are running (e.g. the washing machine or microwave), it indicates an unstable power supply, possibly due to a worn-out panel.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
A burnt smell coming from the DB box or any discoloration around breakers is a red flag. It may mean your panel is overheating or sparking internally.
4. Rust or Corrosion
Singapore’s humidity can cause corrosion inside older DB boxes. Rust weakens connections and may cause overheating or electrical failure.
5. Outdated Fuse-Based Panels
Still using screw-in fuses or old-style fuse boxes? These are no longer compliant with modern electrical safety standards and must be upgraded.
6. Electrical Shocks or Buzzing Sounds
If you hear buzzing noises from the panel or experience mild shocks when touching switches, there may be internal wiring issues or faulty grounding.
7. Renovation or Appliance Upgrade
Adding new power-hungry appliances (e.g., ovens, dryers, smart home systems) may exceed your panel’s capacity. If you’re doing a major home upgrade, a panel upgrade should be part of your plan.
Why Replacing an Old Electrical Panel is Important
Delaying electrical panel replacement can put your home at risk for:
- ⚠️ Electrical fires
- ⚡ Power surges damaging appliances
- 🛑 Complete power failure
- 🚫 Insurance claim rejection after electrical incidents
Newer panels are safer, more energy-efficient, and capable of handling the demands of modern homes. Most importantly, they comply with Singapore’s EMA regulations for residential safety.
When Exactly Should You Replace the Panel?
You should consider panel replacement if:
- Your home is 20 years or older
- You experience 2+ trips a month
- You’re planning a renovation or rewiring project
- An electrician advises that the panel is undersized for your current usage
- Your panel shows visible signs of damage (burns, rust, noise)
For HDB flats, panel upgrades are common during major renovations or M&E (mechanical and electrical) overhauls. In condos and landed properties, it’s often recommended when increasing aircon capacity, adding solar power, or setting up home automation.
Cost to Replace Electrical Panel in Singapore
The cost of replacing an electrical panel (DB box) in Singapore typically ranges from $500 to $1,800, depending on:
| Property Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 3-Room HDB Flat | $500 – $900 |
| 4–5 Room HDB Flat | $800 – $1,200 |
| Condo (1000–1500 sqft) | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Landed Property | $1,200 – $1,800+ |
Factors affecting cost:
- Size and capacity of the new panel (e.g., 32A, 40A, 63A)
- Number of circuit breakers needed
- Type of breakers (MCB, RCCB, ELCB)
- Labour cost of licensed electrician
- Hacking and concealment work (if required)
💡 Tip: Get multiple quotes and ensure the scope includes testing, certification, and disposal of old panels.
What to Expect During a Panel Replacement
Here’s a quick overview of what happens during a panel upgrade:
- Site Assessment
The electrician inspects your current DB box, electrical usage, and wiring layout. - Power Shutdown
Your main power will be turned off during installation (typically 3–5 hours). - Panel Removal & Installation
The old DB is removed, and the new one is mounted with updated breakers and labels. - Testing & Safety Checks
After rewiring the circuits, the technician will test each breaker and issue a Certificate of Compliance (COC) under EMA guidelines. - Restoration
If hacking was required, minor plastering and paint touch-ups may follow.
Choosing the Right Electrician in Singapore
Electrical panel upgrades must be performed by EMA-licensed electricians or LEWs (Licensed Electrical Workers).
What to Look For:
- ✔️ EMA License verification
- ✔️ Transparent quotation with itemised parts
- ✔️ Experience with HDB/condo/landed properties
- ✔️ Positive Google or Hometrust reviews
- ✔️ Willingness to issue COC and test reports
Don’t be tempted by the cheapest quote. A poorly installed panel can lead to costly damage—or worse, safety risks.
Need a Panel Upgrade in Singapore? We’ve Got You Covered
At Electrical Services Singapore, we provide professional DB box replacement services for HDB flats, condos, and landed properties. Our team of licensed electricians ensures:
- Full compliance with EMA regulations
- Safe and fast installation
- Transparent, no-surprise pricing
- Emergency support if needed
Whether your panel is outdated, overloaded, or due for an upgrade—we’re ready to help.
👉 Contact us today for a free site survey and no-obligation quote.