Air-Conditioner Installation Works

HDB blocks completed on/ after 1 January 1994 or have undergone the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP)/ Home Improvement Programme (HIP) are provided with higher electrical loading of 40amps main switch.

If you are unsure of your block's electrical loading, you can use the Electrical Loading of Your HDB Block e-Service to check. You need not apply for a permit from HDB to install an air-conditioner or higher capacity electrical equipment/ appliances if your flat is provided with higher electrical loading. 

General conditions for air-conditioner installations

You are responsible for the proper installation, safety, and stability of your air-conditioner (casement/ window unit/ split type).

Technical requirements

  • Method of installation/ location of air-conditioner window unit and split type condensing unit (including the condensed water discharge pipe) must be according to the approved location and method of installation (you may verify with the HDB Branch managing your flat for the approved location and appropriate installation method)
  • All piping for the air-conditioner must be run internally
  • Air-conditioner units (casement/ window unit/ split type) cannot be located along the common corridor
  • You are to ensure the air-conditioner installer insulates all air-conditioner pipes joints to prevent condensation/ dripping of water
  • Condensation water must be properly discharged into a nearby floor trap in your flat
  • Before the installation of your air-conditioner unit, you and your installer must verify that the total running current of your air-conditioner units do not exceed the approved electrical rating
  • Air-conditioner units (casement/ window unit/ split type) must not cause any vibration in the building
  • Rubber padding should be provided at the base of the air-conditioner condensing unit (ACU)
  • No hacking of holes or openings through existing reinforced concrete structures within the unit
  • No embedment of air-conditioner pipe in reinforced concrete slabs, columns or beams
  • For pre-cast facade with tiles, a single opening of 50mm x 50mm per panel for the running of refrigerant pipe is allowed, however you should ensure that your air-conditioner installer checks the wall tiles surrounding the opening for bolts and refrigerant pipes, any delaminated tiles will have to be removed
  • The air-conditioner installer has to ensure that precautions are taken during the installation for public safety
  • If you wish to have an air-conditioner unit installed in your living room where an existing gas pipe passes through, you must engage a licensed gas service technician to check that the gas pipes/ installation complies with the Code of Practice (CP) 51, clause 7.2.7, ‘pipes in enclosed or unventilated areas’ before proceeding with the installation

Maintenance

  • You must maintain the external wall face free from stains at all times at your own expense
  • Perform regular maintenance on your air-conditioner to avoid causing any inconvenience or nuisance to your neighbours
  • You should attend to any nuisance when it arises. Otherwise, HDB will ask you to stop using or to remove the air-conditioner

Town Council’s conditions

The Town Council has imposed the following conditions for flats which have an air-conditioner installed on their ledge.

  • Do not tamper with the air-conditioner ledge which is part of the common property maintained and managed by the Town Council
  • Ensure that air-conditioner ledge is kept clean and free of obstruction at all times
  • Grant HDB, Town Council, other Government authorities and their authorised persons access into your flat to carry out routine checks and maintenance work on the air-conditioner ledge
     

Flats provided with a 30 amps main switch

Check for the requirements and guidelines if your flat is provided with a 30 amps main switch.

Types of Electrical Work

Permit Required?

Installation of air-conditioner (casement/ window unit/ split type) using an existing approved 15 amps power point or 20 amps isolator provided by flat owner or HDB

No

Installation of air-conditioner (casement/ window unit/ split type) using new 15 amps power point or new 20 amps isolator

Yes. You need to apply for an electrical permit for a 15 amps power point/ 20 amps isolator before you can have the air-conditioner installation carried out

Guidelines governing the installation

Flat Type

Maximum Total Running Current Allowed

Air-Conditioner Condensing Unit - Maximum Allowed Weight

1/ 2-room

5.00 amps

80kg

3/ 4/ 5-room/ Executive Masionette/ Multi-Generation

8.50 amps

80kg

Executive Apartment
(with 4 bedrooms)

8.50 amps

80kg

Executive Apartment
(with 5 bedrooms in converted block)

11.00 amps

80kg

 

Flats provided with a 40 amps main switch and flats upgraded under Main Upgrading Programme (MUP)/ Home Improvement Programme (HIP)

While this category of flats do not require a permit to carry out installation works, you should still familiarise yourself with the guidelines in place.

Types of Electrical Work

Permit Required?

Guidelines Governing the Installation

Installation of air-conditioner (casement/ window unit/ split type) using existing approved 15 amps power point or 20 amps isolator provided by flat owner or HDB

No

  • The running current of air-conditioner should be restricted by a 20 amps double pole (DP) isolator or 15 amps power point

  • A maximum of 2 split-type air-conditioner condensing units can be installed

  • The maximum weight allowed is 110kg per wall panel regardless of whether the installation is on the external wall or air-conditioner ledge

  • For wall mounted air-conditioner condensing units, each wall panel is allowed to have only 1 air-conditioner condensing unit

Installation of air-conditioner (casement/ window unit/ split type)  using new 15 Amps power point or new 20 Amps isolator

No
 

Recommended