Are approvals needed for electrical and plumbing changes in a fit-out?
Yes, in the form of licensed workers rather than plan approvals. EMA requires electrical work to be done by a licensed electrical worker, and non-domestic installations above 45 kVA must hold an electrical installation licence with an appointed LEW who must be told of modifications. PUB requires regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works to be done by a PUB-licensed plumber, and engaging an unlicensed plumber has been an offence since 1 April 2018.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in A&A and Fit-Out Approvals in Singapore: Who Approves What, and When. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Most Singapore fit-outs and A&A works need several separate clearances: BCA for structural and non-exempt building works, SCDF for anything touching fire safety (plan approval, or a $90 minor A&A lodgement for small works), URA for change of use or external changes, the landlord, JTC or MCST, plus licensed electrical workers, licensed plumbers and gas workers for services. A Qualified Person coordinates the statutory submissions.
More questions on this topic
- Do I need BCA approval to put up office partitions?
- What is the SCDF minor A&A lodgement, and when can I use it?
- My new tenant wants to turn an office into a tuition centre. Who needs to approve?
- Can my contractor submit the plans instead of a QP?
- How long do approvals for a typical office fit-out take?
- What happens if works start before approval?
- Does a condo owner need MCST approval for internal renovations?