Guide for Contractors - When do I need to locate underground cable or pipe?

There is often confusion about which site activities do (and do not) require underground cable/pipe detection. As a general principle, any activity that involves earthworks—including excavation, ground penetration, or mechanical ground works—should be treated as requiring utility detection, so site personnel are properly alerted to underground services within the work vicinity.

What qualifies as “Earthworks”?

Singapore’s Electricity Act defines “earthworks” broadly. It includes excavation and ground works carried out in connection with construction-related activities, utility works, soil investigation, and mechanical ground operations such as boring, piling, jacking, and tunnelling, as well as driving/sinking rods, poles, or similar items into the ground. Changi Airport+1

In practical terms: if the work breaks ground, penetrates ground, or alters the ground, it should be assessed as earthworks and planned accordingly.

Examples of activities that are typically treated as earthworks

Common activities in Singapore that usually require underground services detection (and subsequent verification where needed) include:

• Construction works and A&A works involving excavation

• Soil investigation works

• Cable or pipe laying works

• Foundation works (including piling and ground improvement)

• Drainage works

• Signage installation with footing/post installation

• Demolition works involving ground works

• Earth cutting/filling works

• Earthing/earth rod sinking works

• Tree root cutting/removal works (where ground is disturbed)

• Hardscape works (e.g., water features, pools)

• Basement and substructure works

• And similar ground-intrusive activities

  
  

Examples of activities that may not require detection (if there is no ground penetration)

Some aboveground-only works may not require underground cable/pipe detection provided there is no excavation, drilling, coring, anchoring, or ground penetration, for example:

• Aboveground A&A works (no hacking/drilling into slabs/ground)

• Hanging festive lights

• Interior renovation works

• Temporary tentage without ground anchors/stakes

• Grass cutting and landscaping maintenance

Important: If any “non-earthwork” activity requires drilling, hacking, dowelling, coring, or installing anchors/stakes into the ground or pavement, it may become earthworks under the statutory definition and should be treated cautiously.

Planning reminder (before mobilisation)

Prior to earthworks, a site survey and information collation should be carried out to establish the existing site conditions and surrounding utilities. Where underground services are suspected or present, detection and verification (e.g., trial holes/trenches or appropriate non-destructive methods) should be incorporated as part of the work planning.

We support clients by conducting professional detection and pegging, preparing the necessary deliverables, and advising on compliance steps required before earthworks commence (including timelines such as NCE submissions where applicable). Energy Market Authority

Note: This article focuses on construction-stage activities. Separate planning may be required during feasibility and design stages, which are not covered here.