Power help · Singapore
Power outage in Singapore? What to do right now
Quick answer
First check whether it is only your home. If your neighbours still have power, your circuit breaker has probably tripped: switch your appliances off, then push the RCCB and the main switch in your DB box back up. If the whole block or street is dark, it is a supply outage: call SP Group's 24-hour line on 1800 778 8888. Keep the fridge closed and unplug sensitive electronics. If you need to carry on, a rented battery keeps Wi-Fi, lights, fans and the fridge running.
What to do in a power outage, step by step
Check how widespread it is
Look at your neighbours, the corridor lights and the lifts. If they still have power, the problem is inside your home. If the block, street or estate is dark, it is a supply outage.
Only your home? Reset the power trip
Find your DB box (distribution board), usually near the main door. Switch off or unplug your appliances, then push the RCCB and any tripped MCB back up. Turn appliances back on one at a time: the one that trips it again is the faulty one. If it keeps tripping, call a licensed electrician.
Whole block or area? Report it
Call SP Group on 1800 778 8888, 24 hours. For HDB lifts, corridor lights and water pumps, call your town council's 24-hour hotline. In a condo or office building, call the MCST or managing agent. Follow SP Group and EMA's official channels for updates, not forwarded messages.
Protect your fridge and electronics
Keep the fridge and freezer closed: a closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours. Unplug computers, TVs and the aircon so the surge when power returns does not damage them. Leave one light switched on so you know when power is back.
Stay safe
Use torches rather than candles. Never run a petrol or diesel generator indoors, on a balcony or in a corridor: the fumes contain carbon monoxide. If you see sparks, smoke or a fallen cable, keep away and call SCDF on 995.
Keep the essentials running
A battery generator is silent, gives off no fumes and is safe indoors, so it can be used in an HDB flat, condo or office. UPS-ready models switch over automatically the moment the power drops. We deliver island-wide, 24/7.
Who to call in a power outage
Only your home, or it keeps tripping
A licensed electrician
Reset your DB box first
HDB lift, corridor or common area
Your town council
24-hour hotline on your town council's website
Condo or office building
MCST or managing agent
Number on the lift lobby notice board
How long will a battery keep things running?
A rough guide for each 1 kWh of battery. A 2 kWh unit runs a fridge, Wi-Fi and lights for about 17 hours.
| Appliance | Typical draw | Hours per 1 kWh battery |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router | 10–15 W | about 55 h |
| Phone charging | 10 W | about 80 h |
| LED lights, one room | 20 W | about 40 h |
| Standing fan | 50 W | about 16 h |
| CCTV recorder + 4 cameras | 50 W | about 16 h |
| Fridge (cycles on and off) | 150 W rated, about 60 W averaged | about 13 h |
| Laptop | 65 W | about 12 h |
| TV | 120 W | about 7 h |
| Aircon, 9,000 BTU | about 900 W | about 1.5 h |
Estimates using about 82% of the battery's rated capacity. Fridges cycle on and off, so they use less than their rated watts over a day. Work out your exact setup in the power planner.
Power outage questions we get asked
Is there a power outage in Singapore right now?
Check SP Group's and EMA's official channels for outage updates. If your neighbours still have power, the problem is most likely your own circuit breaker, and you can usually fix it by resetting your DB box.
Why does my house keep tripping?
Usually a faulty appliance, moisture (rain, a wet socket or the water heater), an overloaded circuit or ageing wiring. Unplug everything, reset the RCCB, then plug appliances back in one at a time. If it still trips, call a licensed electrician.
How long do power outages in Singapore last?
Most unplanned outages in Singapore are short and are fixed within minutes to a few hours. SP Group can also bring in mobile generators while repairs are made. Planned shutdowns for maintenance are announced in advance and can last from a few hours to a full day.
Can I rent a generator for a power outage?
Yes. We rent battery generators (portable power stations) by the day, week or month. They are silent, give off no fumes and can be used indoors, unlike a diesel genset. Small units start from S$10 a day, and a 2 kWh battery that keeps a fridge, Wi-Fi and lights running overnight starts from S$51 a day.
How long will a battery run my fridge?
A typical fridge uses about 60 W averaged over the day, so each 1 kWh of battery runs it for about 13 hours. A 2 kWh battery runs a fridge, Wi-Fi router and a room's lights for about 17 hours.
Can a battery work as a UPS?
Selected models can. The EH-One+ and EcoFlow DELTA and RIVER units switch over automatically when the mains power drops, so routers, computers and fridges keep running. Lifts, fire systems and medical equipment still need a certified UPS.