Planned power shutdown at your condo, office or factory: a checklist

Condos, office buildings and factories in Singapore shut off power from time to time so the licensed electrical worker (LEW) can safely maintain the electrical installation. The MCST or building management sets the date and informs occupants in advance. Shutdowns often last a few hours, sometimes a full day.

EMA notes that residents can ask the MCST or managing agent about backup power, but providing it is not required. If you need something kept on, it's usually up to you to arrange.

The checklist

One to two weeks before

• Note the date, start and end time from the notice.
• List what must stay on: router and network switch, laptops, a fridge or freezer, fans, lights, CCTV, aquarium pumps, a cold room.
• Check the power rating on each item's label (in watts) and how long it needs to run.
• Size your backup with the power planner, or send your list to our engineers.
• Book your battery early. Shutdown dates in the same estate or business park often fall together.

The day before

• Take delivery of the battery and check it is fully charged.
• Fix where it will sit: indoors, dry, near the equipment, away from walkways.
• Run extension leads neatly, with cable protectors where people walk.

On the day

• Shut down computers and servers properly before the cut.
• Plug essentials straight into the battery. Don't connect a battery to your building's power board yourself. Any connection to a DB board must be done by an LEW.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors shut.

After power returns

• Switch equipment back to mains one item at a time.
• Recharge and return the battery. We collect it.

For HR and office managers

If you've been asked to sort out power for a shutdown, start with three questions: what must stay on, for how long, and where it is. Send us that list and we'll recommend the setup and quote it. See outage and shutdown batteries or Business & Projects for larger buildings and company invoicing.