What is a BCA Trained Aircon Installer in Singapore?
I am a BCA trained aircon installer in Singapore (yes, that’s me in the photo above this paragraph 😬), and in this article I will explain what is a trained installer, why you need to hire a certified trained installer for new aircon installations, and how I became a trained installer.
A trained aircon installer is a person who has the skills and knowledge to install air-conditioning units in Singapore. A trained installer must have a valid certificate from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) or the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) that shows they have sucessfully completed the course and assessment.
You must hire a trained installer to do the installation works relating to the air-conditioning unit if it is to be installed on the exterior of any building or one that projects outwards from any building.
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Why you need a trained aircon installer
It is law that only trained installers certified by BCA can install your aircons in most instances.
This is a good practice for your safety and the safety of the public, but it has also been written into legislation. You can be find the full written legislation in Part IVA of the Building Control Regulations, which was created to ensure that building works in Singapore comply with set standards for safety, accessibility, environmental sustainability and buildability. It first came into force on May 1, 1989.
Not all external aircon brackets comply with the requirements for safety
The act also mentions that the unit must be supported on a stainless steel bracket or concrete ledges that conform to the designs that have been approved to hold the air-conditioning units. These designs can be found in the Seventh Schedule of the Building Control Regulations.
But you do not always need a trained aircon installer
Air-conditioning units that are located internally within your property are not subject to this requirement. However, you should check the condition of your bracket, ledge or casing regularly and get it repaired or replaced immediately if it has deteriorated.
What if a non-trained installer installs the aircon?
It is against the law for someone who is not a Trained Installer to install an air-conditioning unit in circumstances where they are necessary. Anyone who breaks this rule may be fined up to $5,000 or sentenced to up to 6 months in jail, or both.
What are the duties of a BCA trained installer
The duties of a BCA trained installer are to install a structural support system for air-conditioning units in compliance with regulations and submit a completion report to the Building Control Commissioner. If they fail to comply, they may face fines or imprisonment.
Installing a aircon structural support bracket
The Trained Installer must install a structural supporting bracket for the aircon condenser that complies with the specifications set out in the legislation. These specifications and requirements were created to ensure that the air-conditioning condenser unit is properly supported and does not pose a risk to public safety.
Read: Where can an air-conditioning condenser unit be installed in Singapore
Must the legislation be followed exactly?
A BCA Trained Installer can depart from the specifications and requirements if they have obtained the prior written approval of the Commissioner of Building Control or if they comply with the specifications approved by the Housing and Development Board.
Does that mean that HDB and BCA have different requirements?
Yes. Both agencies have different requirements when it comes to installing the aircon condenser unit. One example is the maximum aircon condenser weight of 130kg with HDB and 80kg with BCA. For installations in HDB flats, the requirements set by HDB overrule the requirements set by BCA.
Submitting the aircon bracket installation report
After the installation works are completed, the certified BCA Trained Installer must submit a report of the completed works to the Commissioner of Building Control within 14 days. Form AC-01 must be submitted for private property installations and Form AC-02 for HDB flat installations.
What if they do not comply?
If a Trained Installer fails to comply with the duties outlined in Regulation 41C or fails to submit a report of the completed works to the Commissioner of Building Control, they may be fined up to $5,000 or sentenced to up to 6 months in jail, or both.
How did I become a trained installer?
In order to become a trained installer, I completed the “Installation of Structural Supports for Air-Con Units” course and assessment at BCA Academy, the education and training arm of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Read: My review of the BCA Academy
What did the aircon bracket installation course consist of?
This course enhances participant’s skills and knowledge on the proper and safe installation of supports for condensing unit and window unit. It covers the tools and equipment of the trade, different types of steel angle support, substrate, appropriate installation techniques and the necessary safety precautions to be taken during the installation process.
The course consists of classroom lectures and practical hands-on training on safe installation of condensing unit and window unit. Topics covered include:
- Types of air-conditioning system
- BCA requirements with regards to the installation of air-con condensing units and window units
- Use of suitable supports and fastening systems
- How to ensure that an aircon condenser bracket is compliant
- Correct methods of installing condensing units and window units in HDB and non HDB flats
- Safety precautions
About my experience with the course
The aircon structural support course was a nice experience. I met new friends from the same industry doing aircon maintenance, installation, and servicing. I also met a few friends working on heavy duty VRV systems for commercial properties which to me looks extremely difficult. But maybe I will be able to work on them someday.
Conclusion
In summary, a BCA trained aircon installer in Singapore is a person who has completed relevant courses and assessments to install air-conditioning units properly. It is required by law to hire a trained installer for the installation of air-conditioning units on the exterior of buildings. The trained installer must comply with regulations and ensure public safety. To become a trained installer, one must complete a course at BCA Academy.