What a LEW is
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) is an individual licensed by the Energy Market Authority of Singapore to perform specified electrical work on regulated installations. The licence is personal — not corporate — and lasts for the lifetime of the holder, subject to continued compliance with EMA's requirements.
The LEW regime exists because regulators learned, the hard way, that electrical safety cannot be left to "whoever the contractor sends." Operations on live or recently-de-energised electrical equipment are too consequential to be left to anyone less than a competent, examined, individually accountable professional.
LEW classes
LEW licences are issued in distinct classes based on the voltage and type of work the holder is authorised to perform. The principal classes commonly encountered on Singapore projects are:
| Class | Voltage scope | Typical work |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Up to 400 V LV | Wiring, installation, basic maintenance |
| Electrical Technician | Up to 1 kV | Installation supervision, LV maintenance |
| LEW (Engineer-grade) | Up to 1 kV | Switching, energising, LV installation supervision, Permit-to-Work issuance |
| LEW (HT class) | Up to 22 kV | HT switching, energising, T&C oversight |
| LEW (Extra-HT class) | Up to 66 kV | Sub-transmission switching and operations |
The actual class names and voltage thresholds are defined under the Electricity (Licensed Electrical Workers) Regulations and can be checked against EMA's current schedule. The principle is consistent: higher voltage requires a higher class of licence.
Er. James holds the LEW Engineer-grade licence (up to 1 kV) — Licence No. 9/21492, issued 16 May 2017, for the lifetime of the holder.
How to become an LEW
- Eligible qualification. Engineering degree or equivalent for the engineer-grade classes; relevant diploma or technical certificate for the technician classes.
- Practical experience. A minimum number of years of supervised experience in electrical installation, operations or maintenance work — varying by class.
- EMA examination. A written and (for some classes) oral examination administered by EMA. The exam covers Singapore's electrical regulations, technical codes, safety and practical knowledge.
- Interview / assessment. For higher classes, a competency interview before a panel of senior engineers.
- Licence issuance. On successful completion, EMA issues the LEW licence with a unique licence number, valid for the lifetime of the holder.
What an LEW actually does
The day-to-day scope of an LEW depends on the engagement, but typically includes:
- Switching. Operating circuit breakers, disconnectors and earthing switches under written switching schedules.
- Permit-to-Work issuance. Authorising and signing PTWs for any work on the electrical installation.
- Isolation and earthing. Ensuring equipment is safely isolated and earthed before maintenance.
- Inspection. Periodic inspections of the installation as required by EMA and the Building Licence regime.
- Hand-Over Certificates. Signing off newly commissioned installations for TOP, including the LEW Hand-Over Certificate.
- Incident response. First professional response to electrical faults and incidents.
- Reporting. Submitting required reports to EMA, the building owner / MCST, and the registered Building Licence.
LEW vs PE — different jobs, both essential
A Professional Engineer (Electrical) designs the system, calculates the protection, sizes the equipment and applies their stamp to the drawings. A Licensed Electrical Worker operates the system safely once it's built — switching it on, switching it off, and signing off that it's safe.
The same individual can hold both — and many senior engineers do, including Er. James, who is both PE 4636 and LEW 9/21492. But the credentials are separate, the examinations are separate, and the legal responsibilities are separate.
Frequently asked questions
Does my contractor's LEW count as my LEW?
Only if EMA's records show that particular LEW as the named LEW on your Building Licence. The licence is personal; the contractor's name is incidental. If your contractor leaves, the LEW goes with them — unless you have a separate engagement.
Can a foreigner be an LEW in Singapore?
EMA's LEW examination requires familiarity with Singapore's regulations and codes. Foreign engineers have obtained LEW licences after demonstrating sufficient local knowledge and experience. The licence itself is Singapore-specific.
How long does the licence last?
For an individual LEW licence, the validity is for the lifetime of the licence holder, subject to continued compliance and renewal of any associated requirements such as competence courses.
What if I need both LV and HT cover?
Either engage two LEWs of the appropriate classes, or engage an LEW who holds both classes. Most projects with HT intakes use a Class 2/3 LEW for HT switching and a Class 1/Engineer LEW for the LV side.