DB Box Repair & Upgrade Cost in Singapore (2026 Guide) | Homejourney

The Distribution Board (DB Box) Repair and Upgrade Cost Guide: Singapore Prices 2026 helps Singapore homeowners understand what they should realistically pay to repair, replace, or upgrade a distribution board (also called an electrical panel or circuit breaker box) — and when it is a critical safety issue that cannot be delayed.

In 2026, most HDB and condo households in Singapore can expect to pay about S$320–S$800 for typical DB box repair or replacement, with premium upgrades for larger homes or full rewiring going above S$1,000, depending on scope and components.[1][2][5][7] Homejourney’s role is to keep this process safe and transparent by connecting you only to vetted, licensed electricians with upfront pricing.

How much does DB box repair or replacement cost in Singapore (2026)?

Based on 2025–2026 Singapore electrician price lists and renovation data, these are realistic 2026 price expectations for DB box work in typical HDB and condo units:[1][2][5][6][7][8]

Minor DB box repair / troubleshooting (e.g. loose terminals, burnt breaker, simple re-termination): S$100–S$250
Single circuit breaker replacement (e.g. MCB in DB): typically S$100–S$250 including breaker and labour[1]
RCCB / ELCB installation or replacement: around S$250–S$350 for residential units[1][2]
Basic DB box replacement (HDB / small condo): roughly S$320–S$600 for supply and install, depending on number of ways and brand[1][2][5][6][7][8]
Standard DB replacement with safety testing (4-room HDB / mid-sized condo): around S$600–S$800[1][2][7]
Premium / larger distribution board upgrade (bigger condos, maisonettes, landed): from S$800–S$1,200+ especially if adding more circuits or higher-spec breakers[2][4][7]
Full rewiring + DB upgrade (e.g. older resale flats): commonly part of a S$2,500–S$8,000 rewiring package, depending on flat size and specification.[2][4]

For HDB 4-room resale flats, it is common to see DB replacement quoted at about S$600 as part of a rewiring or renovation package.[2] Some service price lists show distribution board supply and install from S$320 for simpler setups.[5] These ballpark figures help you recognise if a quote is reasonable — but always request an on-site assessment for accurate pricing.

This cluster article supports our broader Homejourney pillar on safe home maintenance and renovation, which covers electrical, plumbing, aircon and other key systems in detail. For a more holistic view of renovation and safety planning, refer to the main pillar guide on Homejourney .

DB box basics: what Singapore homeowners need to know

In Singapore, your distribution board (DB box) is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power from SP Group’s incoming supply to all your circuits — lighting, sockets, aircon, water heater and more.[3][4]

Most residential DB boxes contain:

Main isolator – the master switch controlling power to the entire unit
RCCB / ELCB – safety device that cuts power when leakage to earth is detected, preventing electric shock[1][3]
MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) – individual switches for each circuit (e.g. kitchen, aircon, water heater)[1][3]
Busbar and neutral/earth bars – connection points for cables

In older HDB estates like older parts of Ang Mo Kio or Bedok, I still see units with very compact boards that were never upgraded when aircon and heavy appliances were added. In those flats, the DB box is often overloaded, and owners experience frequent trips whenever they run the water heater and washing machine together. In newer BTO towns such as Punggol or Tengah, DB boxes are larger with more spare ways, but poor workmanship can still cause hot connections or nuisance tripping.

Common DB box problems in Singapore (and typical costs)

These are the issues electricians most often attend to in HDB and condos, and what you can expect to pay in 2026.

1. Frequent power trips

Repeated tripping when you turn on the water heater, microwave, or all aircons is one of the most common DB box complaints in mature estates like Toa Payoh, Queenstown and older condos around Bukit Timah.

Likely causes include:

Overloaded circuits not designed for current appliance load
Faulty appliances causing leakage or short circuits
Ageing or undersized MCBs / RCCB
Loose or burnt terminals in the DB

Typical 2026 cost:

Diagnostic and minor rectification: S$100–S$180 (tightening, re-termination, testing)
Replacing a problematic MCB: S$100–S$250 including breaker[1]
Upgrading RCCB/ELCB: about S$250–S$350[1][2]

2. Burning smell or discoloured breakers

If you smell burning plastic near the DB box in a corridor of an HDB flat, or you notice brown marks around a breaker in your condo unit, this is an urgent safety issue. It usually means overheating due to loose terminations or an overloaded circuit.

Typical 2026 cost:

Emergency call-out (after-hours, weekends): commonly S$150–S$250+ depending on timing
Breaker and cable replacement within the DB: S$200–S$400 depending on severity and parts used[1][6][8]
If the DB face and busbar are damaged: likely full DB replacement S$600–S$800+[1][2][7]

Homejourney strongly recommends treating any burning smell, visible arcing, or melted plastic as an emergency. Switch off the main and book a licensed electrician immediately through Homejourney .

3. Old or undersized DB box (pre-upgrade HDB or older condos)

Many pre-2000 flats in older estates and early 1990s condos still have boards designed for fewer circuits. Once you add inverter aircons, instant water heaters, built-in ovens and a dryer, you’re effectively asking the DB to do more than it was built for.

Signs you may need a DB upgrade:

Few spare ways (no space to add new circuits)
Frequent tripping when multiple heavy appliances run at once
DB cover is brittle, yellowing, or cracked
No RCCB / outdated ELCB that doesn’t meet current standards

Typical 2026 cost:

Basic DB replacement (keeping same number of circuits): from S$320–S$600[1][2][5][7]
Upgraded DB with more ways and better breakers: typically S$600–S$800+ for standard HDB/condo[2][7]
For landed homes or large penthouses with many circuits: can go from S$1,000–S$1,500+ depending on design and brand[4][7]

Key cost factors for DB box repair and upgrade in 2026

Why can two neighbours in the same block pay very different amounts for DB work? These are the main variables that drive cost in Singapore.[3][4][7]

1. Property type & existing wiring

HDB flats: Usually more standardised. Older flats (e.g. 3-room in Bukit Merah) may need more extensive rewiring. HDB requires work to follow the Home Electrical Guide and be carried out by a licensed electrical worker (LEW).
Condos: MCST rules may restrict DB relocation, trunking exposure and external appearance. Access for works (security, visitor parking) can also add time cost.
Landed homes: Often larger boards, more circuits and sometimes separate DBs for different floors or extensions, increasing labour and material cost.

2. Size and specification of the distribution board

A 6–8 way DB for a small 2-room flat in Sengkang costs much less than a 24-way board serving a landed property with swimming pool, EV charger and solar system.

Factors affecting DB material cost include:[3][4][7]

Number of ways (circuits)
Brand and rating of breakers (e.g. Schneider, Hager)
Inclusion of surge protection devices
Type of RCCB / RCBO used (more RCBOs = higher cost but better protection)

3. Labour complexity & access

Electricians will factor in:

How difficult it is to re-route and label existing cables
Whether DB position needs shifting (which often requires rewiring)
Whether works must be done at off-peak hours to suit MCST rules
Additional testing and certification needed

Some 2026 price lists simply show “DB box replacement from S$320”, but complex cases with tight trunking, concealed wiring or poorly-labelled circuits can easily push the final bill above S$700–S$800.[5][7]

4. Related electrical work bundled with DB upgrade

Most owners choose to tackle related issues once the DB is opened up. Common add-ons include:[2][4][7]

New lighting points: often around S$40 per point[2]
Additional socket points: around S$70–S$80 per point[2]
Dedicated water heater points: about S$120 each[2]
Aircon points or isolators: typically S$120–S$180 per point[2][7]

When you’re already paying for a licensed electrician to upgrade the DB, bundling these items can be more cost-effective than calling separate trades later. For broader home electrical planning and financing options, you can also explore Homejourney’s bank rate tools Bank Rates .

When must you call a licensed electrician for DB issues?

For anything involving your distribution board, Homejourney recommends always using a licensed electrical worker (LEW) registered with the Energy Market Authority (EMA). This is both a safety and compliance issue.

Do not DIY your DB box if you notice any of the following:

Repeated tripping even after unplugging appliances
Burning smell, crackling sounds, or visible sparks
Warm or hot breakers when touched (after turning off main first)
Corrosion, rust, or visible damage inside the DB
Signs of water ingress near the DB (e.g. in service yard)

In HDB flats, electrical work must comply with HDB’s renovation rules and EMA’s licensing requirements. MCSTs for condos can also insist on licensed contractors and may require pre-approval for DB relocation. For serious faults, you may be asked to show test reports from a LEW.

Homejourney works only with verified providers who understand EMA, HDB and MCST requirements, so you get both safety and compliance in one booking .

How to budget for DB box repair or upgrade (practical steps)

Here is a simple framework to plan your DB box spending, especially if you just collected keys to a BTO in Punggol, a resale flat in Clementi, or a condo unit in Sengkang.

Step 1: Check the age and condition of your DB

Ask your agent or previous owner when the flat was last rewired.
Visually inspect the DB cover and interior (with main switch OFF).
Note any old branding, brittle plastic, or lack of RCCB.

If you’re unsure, assume the DB in a 30–40 year-old flat that has never undergone major renovation is due for at least a professional check and likely an upgrade.

Step 2: List your current and future load

Think about:

How many aircon units you have or plan to install
Whether you use instant or storage water heaters
Heavy appliances: oven, dryer, dishwasher, induction hob, EV charger
Future additions like home office equipment or smart home hubs

This helps the electrician size your DB correctly and avoids paying twice later for another upgrade.

Step 3: Get at least 2–3 quotations

Use Homejourney to request multiple quotes from verified electricians. Share photos of your existing DB and a list of appliances to speed up accurate quoting. Typical information they will ask for: