How to choose the appliances and equipment a home needs, written against the requirements and not against a brand. ELS names no model, links no store and shows no price. Add what you want to your own list, type the figures you were quoted, and carry the list to ALUMAX, ELS Source or a trade yourself.
Choose the kitchen appliances before the cabinets are made. The hob, hood, oven, fridge, dishwasher and a built-in microwave set the cut-outs, gaps and services the cabinet and the trades build to, so the exact model has to be known before the shop drawing. The same ten are planned, one by one, in the Appliance & Equipment Coordination tool.
What to compare
CapacitySize the unit to how many people cook and eat at home. Read the capacity from the selected model's own datasheet.
EnergyLook for the Malaysian energy label where this type of appliance carries one, and compare the consumption each maker states. ELS states no consumption figure.
NoiseCompare the noise level each maker states, most of all for the hood and the dishwasher in an open plan.
FitCheck the model's outer size, its cut-out and the gaps it needs on every side against the cabinet bay and the services behind it.
ServiceAsk who services the model locally, what the warranty covers, and whether the unit can be pulled out for service.
Hob / cooktopConfirm the selected model's exact worktop cut-out and its required side/rear clearances before the benchtop is cut.
Size
Service access
Dedicated circuit
Gas point
Cut-out
Cooker hoodConfirm the selected model's width matches the hob, and fix its exact mounting height and duct route above the hob, before the cabinet drawing is cut.
Size
Service access
Power point
Duct to outside
Cut-out
Built-in OvenConfirm the selected model's exact housing cut-out and the manufacturer's ventilation gaps before the tall unit or under-counter housing is built.
Size
Service access
Dedicated circuit
Cut-out
RefrigeratorConfirm the recess fits the fridge's full width, depth and height PLUS the manufacturer's ventilation gaps — size it for the largest tenant fridge likely to arrive later, not just today's model.
Size
Service access
Power point
Water supply
Cut-out
DishwasherConfirm the exact module width (450mm slimline vs 600mm) and the selected model's cut-out and clearances, and that the bay sits beside the sink for the shortest water and drain run.
Size
Service access
Water supply
Drain
Power point
Cut-out
MicrowaveLock built-in vs countertop before the shop drawing — only a built-in unit forces its exact housing cut-out, ventilation gaps and power point into the cabinet plan.
Size
Service access
Power point
Dedicated circuit
Cut-out
Rice cookerConfirm it has a permanent, steam-safe spot — open counter or a ventilated pull-out — so opening the lid never vents steam into an upper cabinet or onto hinges.
Size
Service access
Power point
Air fryerReserve open bench space sized to the chosen model and keep its rear/top hot-exhaust clearance clear — never plan it inside a closed appliance garage.
Size
Service access
Power point
Water purifier / dispenserDecide under-sink vs countertop/freestanding first — an under-sink unit reserves a filter bay inside the sink cabinet plus a dispensing-tap hole cut in the worktop, both of which the shop drawing must show.
Size
Service access
Water supply
Drain
Power point
Cut-out
Electric kettleConfirm the beverage zone sits under a steam-tolerant upper cabinet with a reachable power point — not a delicate laminate directly above the spout.
The Sarawak EIU appliance approval for this model, where it applies to this type of appliance.
The Malaysian energy label, where this type of appliance carries one.
MCMC/SIRIM labelling for any connected device (a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile or app-controlled model).
ELS cannot check a product's approval and does not say that any product is approved. Ask for the document, and keep it with the model you chose.
02
Laundry & Cleaning
Decide where the washer and dryer stand before the plumbing and the laundry cabinetry are fixed. A washer needs its own trapped drain, an isolation valve and a dry-side socket; a dryer needs a duct to the outside only if it is a vented model. Plan the route on the drawing first.
What to compare
CapacityMatch the load size to the household's washing. Read the drum capacity and the dryer's load from the model's datasheet.
EnergyCompare the stated energy and water use, and look for the Malaysian energy label where the type carries one. ELS states no figure.
NoiseCompare the noise each maker states for washing and spinning, most of all if the laundry is next to a bedroom.
FitCheck the door swing, the front service zone, the hose reach and the outlet against the space, and the vent route for a vented dryer.
ServiceAsk about local service, the warranty and spare parts, and keep the front of the machine clear for the service visit.
Washing machineA dedicated trapped drain connection with an isolation valve, a dry-side socket, and room for the door swing and the front service zone. Confirm the selected washer's size, hose reach and outlet needs.
Size
Power point
Water supply
Drain
Clothes dryerVented or non-vented: a duct to the outside only for a vented model, planned on the drawing first. A socket, and ventilation and access if the dryer is stacked or concealed.
Size
Power point
Duct to outside
What to ask the seller or installer for
The Sarawak EIU appliance approval for this model, where it applies to this type of appliance.
The Malaysian energy label, where this type of appliance carries one.
MCMC/SIRIM labelling for any connected device (a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile or app-controlled model).
ELS cannot check a product's approval and does not say that any product is approved. Ask for the document, and keep it with the model you chose.
03
Cooling & Air Quality
Air-conditioning, fans, extraction and dehumidifying are decided with the ceiling and the walls still open. The pipe, the condensate drain and the wall sleeve for an air-conditioner go in at first fix; a ceiling fan needs a support and a switch point before the ceiling closes. Fix where each one goes before the finishes.
What to compare
CapacityMatch the unit to the room and how it is used, with a cooling-load check by the supplier or installer for an air-conditioner. ELS gives no size or horsepower figure.
EnergyCompare the stated efficiency and look for the Malaysian energy label where the type carries one. ELS states no consumption figure.
NoiseCompare the noise each maker states for the indoor unit and for fans, most of all in a bedroom.
FitCheck the air throw, the service space, the condensate fall to an outfall, the pipe route and the support or cut-out against the room.
ServiceAsk who services the model locally, what the warranty covers, and where the isolator and the outdoor unit can be reached.
Air-conditioning (indoor and outdoor units)Wall split, cassette or ducted. The pipe, condensate drain and wall sleeve go in at first fix while the walls are open, and the condensate needs a continuous fall to an outfall. Confirm the supplier's service clearances.
Size
Dedicated circuit
Pipework and wall sleeve
Drain
Mounting
Ceiling fansRecord the fans before the ceiling work: a ceiling support, a fan point and a switch or regulator point at first fix. Blade height and the clearance to walls and lights come from the model's installation manual.
Size
Power point
Mounting
Wet-kitchen exhaust fanDucted to the outside, with a switched supply and a cut-out to the model. Plan one extraction route per hob: the hood and this fan are decided together.
Size
Cut-out
Duct to outside
Power point
Ventilation
DehumidifierTo confirm with the selected model's manual and your installer: its capacity for the room, a socket, a continuous drain or tank emptying, and clearance for airflow.
Size
Power point
Drain
Ventilation
What to ask the seller or installer for
The Sarawak EIU appliance approval for this model, where it applies to this type of appliance.
The Malaysian energy label, where this type of appliance carries one.
MCMC/SIRIM labelling for any connected device (a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile or app-controlled model).
ELS cannot check a product's approval and does not say that any product is approved. Ask for the document, and keep it with the model you chose.
04
Bathroom Equipment
Bathroom equipment sits in the wet zone, so its power and plumbing are fixed before the tiling. A water heater needs a protected dedicated supply with accessible isolation and earthing; an exhaust fan is ducted to the outside; a mirror's power point is set once the mirror size is fixed. A water filter on the incoming supply is listed here too.
What to compare
CapacityMatch the heater to the number of outlets used at the same time and the water pressure, and the fan to the room. Read both from the model's datasheet.
EnergyCompare the stated power rating and look for the Malaysian energy label where the type carries one. ELS states no figure.
NoiseCompare the noise each maker states for the exhaust fan, most of all if it is near a bedroom.
FitCheck the wet and dry zoning, the isolator and earthing, the overflow or relief drain, the duct route and the cut-out against the bathroom.
ServiceAsk who installs and services the model locally, what the warranty covers, and keep an access panel at the heater.
Water heaterInstant, storage or central. A dedicated protected supply with accessible isolation and earthing, hot and cold runs, a safe overflow or relief drain and service access. The electrical and plumbing design is confirmed with qualified installers for the selected heater.
Size
Dedicated circuit
Water supply
Bathroom exhaust fanA wall or ceiling unit ducted to the outside, with a cut-out to the model and a switched supply. The services go in before the ceiling closes.
Size
Power point
Duct to outside
Cut-out
Mirror power (illuminated mirror / demister)Only the power point is on this list. Fix the mirror size first, then the outlet and the access to the driver; wet-area protection is the electrician's call.
Size
Power point
Mounting
Service access
Water filter (incoming supply)To confirm with the selected model's manual and your installer: a point on the incoming supply, isolation or a bypass, a flush drain, and power if the model is powered. The cartridges stay reachable.
Size
Water supply
Drain
Power point
Service access
Counts once for the whole house.
What to ask the seller or installer for
The Sarawak EIU appliance approval for this model, where it applies to this type of appliance.
The Malaysian energy label, where this type of appliance carries one.
MCMC/SIRIM labelling for any connected device (a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile or app-controlled model).
ELS cannot check a product's approval and does not say that any product is approved. Ask for the document, and keep it with the model you chose.
06
CCTV & Security
Most people are buying a system, not a camera. The client buys the system and appoints the installer; ELS's list gives what the installer needs agreed before anything is drilled. Decide the camera positions, the power and data points, the recorder's place and the Wi-Fi coverage while the walls and ceiling are open, and keep the cabling with the first-fix electrical work.
What to compare
CapacityCount the cameras, the recorder's channels and the storage to keep, from the installer's design. ELS states no count or size.
EnergyAsk what the system draws and whether the recorder sits on a power supply that rides through short cuts. ELS states no figure.
NoiseA recorder with fans or a disk is heard in a quiet room; ask where it will sit and how loud the model is.
FitAgree the camera positions, the power and data points, the recorder's place and access, and the Wi-Fi coverage, and the view of each camera, with the installer.
ServiceAsk who commissions and services the system, who holds the accounts and passwords, and how updates are handled.
The client buys and appoints the installer. ELS's list gives what the installer needs agreed: camera positions to discuss, power and data points, recorder location and access, Wi-Fi coverage, and one check to agree each camera's view with the installer, including views beyond your boundary. ELS drafts no legal wording.
CCTV (cameras and recorder)The client buys the system and appoints the installer. ELS's list gives the points to agree with the installer; it does not choose the cameras or the recorder.
Power point
Data or Wi-Fi
Mounting
Service access
Points to agree with the installer
Camera positions to discuss
Power and data points
Recorder location and access
Wi-Fi coverage
One check to agree each camera's view with the installer, including views beyond your boundary
Counts once for the whole house.
Video doorbellAt the front door under cover: a mounting point by the door frame, power and Wi-Fi at the door. Hardwired or battery is a question for the model and the installer.
Mounting
Power point
Data or Wi-Fi
Smart lockKeyless entry with a mechanical override and a backup battery. The door leaf and the lock preparation come from the lock maker and the door supplier.
Cut-out
Mounting
Data or Wi-Fi
Alarm (sensors and siren)Door and window contacts, motion sensors, a siren and a keypad, with battery backup. The cabling goes in at the electrical first fix, and outdoor wiring in sealed conduit.
Power point
Mounting
Service access
Counts once for the whole house.
What to ask the seller or installer for
The Sarawak EIU appliance approval for this model, where it applies to this type of appliance.
The Malaysian energy label, where this type of appliance carries one.
MCMC/SIRIM labelling for any connected device (a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile or app-controlled model).
ELS cannot check a product's approval and does not say that any product is approved. Ask for the document, and keep it with the model you chose.
07
Internet & Networking
Run network points to the rooms that matter and put the conduits in before the ceilings close; a cable is hard to add afterwards. Keep the router and modem in one place with power and ventilation, and back-haul any mesh points on wired points where you can. A UPS, if you want one, is listed here with its own questions.
What to compare
CapacityCount the rooms and the devices to cover, and the wired points each one needs. ELS states no speed or device count.
EnergyAsk what the router, the access points and the UPS draw, and how long a UPS carries the router. ELS states no figure.
NoiseCheck that a cupboard or rack has the ventilation it needs, and that a fan-cooled unit is not beside a bed.
FitCheck the point positions, the conduits, the router cupboard's power and ventilation, and the access-point positions against the plan.
ServiceAsk who sets up and supports the network, who holds the router's account and password, and how firmware updates are handled.
Wi-Fi and network pointsNetwork points to the rooms that matter, with the conduits in before the ceilings close. A router cupboard with power and ventilation, and mesh points back-hauled on wired points where you can.
Data or Wi-Fi
Power point
Mounting
Ventilation
Counts once for the whole house.
IT equipment / UPSSockets and data by use. The UPS's load, its battery location and its ventilation come from the selected unit's datasheet and the electrical specialist.
Size
Power point
Data or Wi-Fi
Ventilation
What to ask the seller or installer for
The Sarawak EIU appliance approval for this model, where it applies to this type of appliance.
The Malaysian energy label, where this type of appliance carries one.
MCMC/SIRIM labelling for any connected device (a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile or app-controlled model).
ELS cannot check a product's approval and does not say that any product is approved. Ask for the document, and keep it with the model you chose.