Reading time is approximately 7 minutes.
Air conditioning, range hoods, and electricity configuration for public housing:
Six locations that must be reserved before renovation
Tripping brakes, water dripping from the air conditioner, and backflow of cooking fumes?
Before construction begins, clarify the application for the air conditioning unit location, the diameter of the exhaust and ventilation ducts, and the electrical load.
▲ TL Home 3D Interior Design Concept Image:
Design is about warmth; living is about attitude.

30-second summary of key points
To install air conditioning units in public housing, applicants must submit Form HD272 to the Estate Office. Unauthorized demolition of exterior walls or illegal installation of brackets on exterior walls is strictly prohibited.
Six key pre-installed points throughout the house: air conditioning drainage pipes (both visible and concealed), range hood exhaust check valve, independent circuit for bathroom heater, power distribution for high-power appliances in the kitchen, and USB-C charging stations and low-voltage fiber optic cable locations throughout the house.
TL Home prioritizes electrical safety, meticulously calculating load distribution based on the total number of appliances used in a household to prevent frequent tripping when the water heater and air conditioner are turned on simultaneously.
Core Decisions and Anti-Ambush Checklist
Equipment location
Common planning blind spots
Regulations and technical requirements
Recommended solutions
Air conditioner location
Condensate dripping down due to lack of drainage has drawn complaints.
Connection to the building's designated drainage pipe is required; application form HD272 must be completed.
When pre-installing the copper hoses for the air conditioning system, install insulation sleeves and maintain a 1:50 slope for the drain pipes to prevent water backflow.
Range hood exhaust
The cooking fumes flowed back into the living room.
The exterior wall structure must not be damaged; the original vents or compliant louvers must be used.
Install a sealed gravity check valve and keep the length of the exhaust hose within 1.5 meters to reduce air resistance.
Bathroom heater
If the circuit is mixed with the lighting circuit, the tripping mechanism is likely to occur.
With a power rating of 1500-2000W, it must be equipped with an independent switch and a waterproof switch.
A dedicated 13A/20A independent circuit is directly connected from the distribution box.
Kitchen countertop socket
Insufficient electrical outlets lead to the use of extension cords, posing a fire hazard.
電掣與鋅盤龍頭保持至少 600mm 距離
Install 4 or more independent 13A double sockets with splash-proof protective covers.
Follow along step by step: Standard operating procedure
01
Complete and submit the air conditioner installation application form (HD272).
Confirm the air conditioner installation location (window sill or air conditioner frame) with the village office; changing the installation orientation is strictly prohibited.
Tip: Installing air conditioning brackets in public housing without approval is considered an illegal alteration.
02
Confirm the total power supply for the entire house (single-phase 40A or 60A).
Check the rated amperage of the outdoor meter and plan the total load based on the inverter air conditioner, IH induction heater, and electric water heater.
Tip: Avoid turning on all electrical appliances at the same time, as this may cause the brakes to trip.
03
The appliance models were finalized before the start of hydropower construction.
Choose the range hood exhaust duct diameter (5 inches or 6 inches) and refrigerator size in advance to ensure sufficient heat dissipation holes are reserved.
Tip: Leave 30mm of space on each side of the refrigerator to allow for better heat dissipation and extend its lifespan.
04
Whole-house low-voltage fiber optic cabling pre-installation layout
Broadband fiber optic cables and Cat6 network cables are routed through independent concealed conduits, maintaining a minimum distance of 150mm from power line conduits to prevent interference.
Tip: Both the living room and bedroom have network ports to ensure Wi-Fi coverage with no dead zones.
TL Home Space Magic Perspective
How can designers simplify complex designs?
Aesthetically pleasing integrated cabinet for electrical boxes and routers
The top of the C-shaped cabinet in the entryway is equipped with a dedicated low-voltage cabinet, which houses the heat dissipation louvers and power supply, completely concealing the messy router and cables.
The bottom of the cabinet has a reserved space for the dishwasher and water filter lines.
Even if you don't purchase one initially, reserve a 13A power supply and a T-connector for water inlet and outlet at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet for easy installation of a dishwasher later.
This FAQ is a quick and easy guide.
Q: Can split-type air conditioners be installed in public housing?
A: It depends on the estate design. Some newer, harmonious, or non-standard public housing units have dedicated outdoor window sill space for split-type air conditioners; however, many older estates, due to limitations in exterior wall load-bearing capacity and drainage, only allow the installation of window-mounted air conditioners. You must consult the estate office before purchasing.
Q: Does the induction cooker system used in open kitchens need to be reported to the fire department?
A: Modifying an open kitchen isn't just about the stove; the key issues are whether the walls have sufficient fire resistance and whether a fire-fighting sprinkler system needs to be installed. Even if an induction cooker is used, if the original plan was for a closed kitchen, removing the solid fire wall still constitutes illegal alteration.
Q: Why does the house owner’s hot water heater and microwave oven trip every time?
A: Installing any movable sliding gate within the interior of a unit (such as inside the entrance hall) is perfectly legal; however, installing fixed iron gates or obstructing fire escape routes in the public corridor outside the unit is prohibited.
The above information is for reference only, and our company assumes no legal responsibility whatsoever.
Related Lazy Person's Guide
-
New Public Housing Occupancy Renovation Guide: A 7-Step Checklist from Application and Measurement to Start of Work
-
Click here to view the price list for public housing housing? Budget leak prevention items list for demolition, utilities, grout, furniture and miscellaneous items
-
After receiving the notice to select/take possession of the property: Use an evaluation form to make a decision based on "location, floor, orientation, layout, and family needs".
