Do You Need a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) in Singapore?
What an LEW is, how the grades work, when the law requires one, and how EMA installation licences and endorsements fit together.
If you are renovating a home, fitting out an office, taking over a unit or adding load like an EV charger, sooner or later you will be told the work needs a "Licensed Electrical Worker". Here is what that actually means in Singapore, and when it is legally required.
What is a Licensed Electrical Worker?
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) is an electrician, electrical technician or electrical engineer licensed by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) under the Electricity Act. Only an LEW may lawfully take charge of, inspect and certify electrical installation work above the most basic level — the hands-on work is carried out by trained electricians working under the supervision of the LEW.
The LEW is the qualified, accountable person who signs off that an installation is safe and compliant — which is why their endorsement carries legal weight with EMA and your insurer.
How the grades work
LEW licences are graded by the size of installation they are authorised to handle — broadly, the load and voltage. Higher grades cover larger, more complex installations.
- ›Lower grades: domestic and small commercial work.
- ›Higher grades: larger commercial and industrial installations.
- ›Grade 8 (BSH's directors): authorised up to 150 kVA at low voltage — covering the full commercial fit-out range.
- ›Grade 9 (BSH's partner LEW): for larger, higher-capacity installations above 150 kVA.
Our managing director and senior engineer both hold Grade 8 (up to 150 kVA), and we work with a partner Grade 9 LEW for larger installations — so we cover everything from a single home to large commercial and industrial projects.
When does the law require an LEW?
In practice you need an LEW whenever electrical installation work goes beyond trivial maintenance like changing a light bulb. The common triggers are:
- ›Carrying out, altering or repairing fixed wiring, distribution boards or circuits.
- ›Any installation whose approved load exceeds about 45 kVA — it must hold an EMA Electrical Installation Licence and be placed under an LEW.
- ›Taking over an existing installation (for example, a new tenant or owner of a commercial unit).
- ›Periodic inspection and testing of an installation.
Even for a home below the licence threshold, rewiring and new circuits must be done under the supervision of an LEW and certified by them. Once a premises exceeds about 45 kVA approved load, you need both an EMA installation licence and an appointed LEW.
Installation licence vs LEW endorsement
These are two different things that work together. The Electrical Installation Licence is held for the premises or installation; the LEW is the licensed person appointed to take charge of it and endorse the work. Many building owners and tenants retain an LEW on an ongoing basis to keep the licence valid and the installation compliant.
How BSH helps
As a Grade 8 LEW contractor since 1993, BSH provides the full range of LEW and EMA services: licence endorsements and retainers, EMA installation-licence applications and renewals, periodic inspection and testing, taking over installations, and single-line-diagram (SLD) endorsement and commissioning.
Need an LEW or EMA licence sorted?
Whether it is a one-off endorsement, a take-over, or an ongoing retainer across multiple buildings, our Grade 8 LEWs can help.
FAQ
Do I need an LEW to rewire my HDB or condo?
Yes. Rewiring, adding circuits or moving your distribution board is electrical installation work that must be done under the supervision of, and certified by, an LEW — even in a home.
What is the 45 kVA threshold?
Broadly, an installation with approved load above 45 kVA must hold an EMA Electrical Installation Licence and be placed under a Licensed Electrical Worker. Your LEW confirms the exact requirement for your premises.
Can BSH be our appointed or retained LEW?
Yes. We act as the appointed LEW for commercial and industrial premises, including multi-building retainers, handling endorsement, renewals and periodic inspection.
How often must an installation be inspected?
Licensed installations are inspected periodically by the LEW; the interval depends on the type and size of installation. We set and manage the schedule for clients we look after.
What is the difference between an electrician and an LEW?
All LEWs are competent electrical workers, but an LEW additionally holds an EMA licence that authorises them to take charge of and certify installations. Not every electrician is an LEW.