Adding a New Power Point / Additional Socket
Sometimes you simply need one more socket in a spot the original builder did not plan for — behind the new TV, beside the study desk, on the kitchen island, next to the bed. We add new power points in three common ways:
- Surface-mounted (with trunking) — the fastest and cleanest option. We run a slim PVC trunking on the wall surface from the nearest existing socket or DB, and fit a new 13A outlet. Ideal for HDB, rental flats, and any place where you cannot or do not want to break the wall.
- Concealed (chase into wall) — we cut a narrow channel in the plaster or brick, run the cable inside, and make good. Best for renovations and for HDB / condo owners who want the cleanest finish. Slightly more dust and noise, but invisible once plastered and painted.
- From existing spur — if there is already a 13A socket nearby, we can sometimes run a new spur cable from it to a new location. Fastest, cheapest, but only works where the existing circuit has spare capacity.
For HDB and most condos, we always check the circuit’s current load first. A 20A circuit (typical for HDB power sockets) can safely feed about 4–5 sockets under normal use. If we are adding the 6th, we may need to run a fresh circuit from the DB.
Typical add-a-power-point time: 1–3 hours depending on the route, wall type, and whether a new circuit is needed.
