Whether you’re living in a high-rise apartment or maintaining a family home, electrical problems are almost guaranteed to crop up sooner or later. Some issues are straightforward—others, not so much. The real challenge? Figuring out what you can safely and legally handle yourself, and when it’s time to call a certified electrician.
In South Africa, where unstable power supply, ageing installations, and strict legal requirements all come into play, the decision isn’t always simple. This guide will help you understand which jobs are safe for DIY and which ones legally—and for your own safety—require a licensed professional.
When It’s Clearly a Job for a Licensed Electrician
If the task touches your home’s wiring or involves structural changes to the electrical system, you shouldn’t attempt it yourself. South African law is strict on this point—anything that connects to the main supply must be handled by a registered electrician. That includes fitting new power outlets, upgrading the DB board, or wiring in an inverter or solar system.
Every major installation also needs a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This document proves that the work meets the national safety standard (SANS 10142), and without it, you may find yourself in trouble if anything goes wrong. Insurance companies may reject claims where uncertified electrical work is involved, and you won’t be able to legally sell your home without a valid CoC covering all electrical work.
Even beyond the legal stuff, there are clear warning signs that mean you should get a pro involved. Flickering lights, repeatedly tripping breakers, hot or scorched plug points, and mysterious burning smells are not things you want to diagnose alone. These often point to overloaded circuits or faulty wiring—problems that can quickly become dangerous.
Also be cautious around your DB board. If breakers trip frequently or refuse to stay on, it’s usually not the breaker that’s faulty—it’s something further down the line. A trained electrician can test circuits properly, pinpoint the fault, and fix it safely without the guesswork.
Then there’s surge protection. With load shedding still part of everyday life, unexpected power spikes are a real risk. Installing surge protection at the main board can help, but this needs to be done by someone who understands your home’s system and can integrate it safely. A surge caused by returning power can destroy expensive electronics in seconds—your TV, fridge, or router could all be at risk.
Thinking of installing a generator, inverter, or solar system? It’s not just about plugging things in. These setups must be balanced with your existing load, and poor installation could result in back-feeding into the grid—posing serious risks to municipal workers and your household alike. Most municipalities also require approval before these systems are connected to your home’s wiring, and a certified installer is the only one who can legally handle it.
So What Electrical Tasks Can You Actually Do Yourself?
There are a few tasks that South African homeowners can legally and safely take care of without professional help—provided they don’t involve new wiring or structural changes to the system.
Basic things like changing a lightbulb, replacing the cover on a light switch, or swapping out a worn plug top are all considered safe DIY jobs. If you’re replacing a damaged plug on an appliance or tightening a loose socket faceplate, you’re well within your rights—as long as you know how to do it properly and have switched off the power first.
But here’s where you need to be careful. Something that seems easy—like installing a new light fixture or wall socket—might technically involve fixed wiring. And in South Africa, that makes it regulated work, requiring a registered electrician and a CoC.
Even moving an existing plug point a metre to the left counts as electrical work that must be inspected. If something goes wrong—say a fire breaks out or someone is injured—you could face serious legal and financial consequences for doing unauthorised work. What’s more, even small issues from a bad DIY job can take months or years to show themselves—and by then, it may be too late to fix easily.
What You Can Safely Maintain on Your Own
There are several everyday tasks that help you stay on top of your home’s electrical health without breaking the law or risking your safety.
For example, you can regularly inspect cables and power cords for wear, clean dust around your DB board (without opening it), and keep an eye out for signs of overloading—like extension cords heating up or scorch marks on plug points. Resetting a breaker after it trips from plugging in too many appliances is fine—just don’t keep flipping it back on if you don’t know why it tripped in the first place.
If you’re confident and cautious, replacing plug tops, setting up smart plugs, or installing surge protectors for individual devices is perfectly safe. Monitoring your electricity usage with a home energy monitor or app is another good way to stay informed and catch issues early.
Just remember—once a task involves anything behind a wall, above a ceiling, or within the DB board, you’re stepping outside legal DIY territory. And even if it “looks easy,” improper work can put people and property at serious risk.
Why DIY Electrical Work Can Be Risky—Even When It Looks Simple
There’s a reason professionals spend years learning how to work with electricity safely. One small mistake—a loose wire, an overloaded circuit, a missing earth—can have massive consequences.
In South Africa, the risks are even higher due to unstable power conditions, frequent surges, and the added complexity of integrating alternative energy sources. A botched connection can spark a fire, leave appliances vulnerable, or cause someone to get seriously injured.
Even when something appears to be working fine after a DIY job, hidden faults may remain. A poorly connected plug could overheat slowly over months until it starts a fire. Or your system could fail in a critical moment, like during a load shedding recovery spike. Just because nothing goes wrong immediately doesn’t mean your setup is safe.
Older homes also pose a unique challenge. Many still have outdated wiring that can’t handle the load of today’s appliances and smart devices. If your electrics are tripping frequently, or you suspect the wiring hasn’t been updated in decades, it’s wise to have a full assessment done. A licensed electrician can recommend whether you need a partial upgrade or complete rewire—and make sure your home stays safe and compliant going forward.
Final Takeaway: Know When to Get Help
There’s nothing wrong with handling minor electrical upkeep around your home. In fact, staying alert to small issues and doing basic maintenance can prevent larger (and more expensive) problems down the line.
But when it comes to installations, wiring, or system upgrades—don’t take chances. The cost of skipping a licensed electrician isn’t just a faulty socket or a dodgy switch. It could mean denied insurance claims, long-term fire risk, or even legal consequences if someone gets hurt.
When in doubt, call a professional. You’ll not only ensure your work is safe and compliant—you’ll also be protecting your home, your family, and your investment. And often, the sooner you get expert help, the less expensive the fix.
FAQs: When to Call an Electrician in South Africa
What signs suggest my home might have outdated or unsafe wiring?
Common red flags include frequent tripping, flickering lights, warm outlets, and burning smells near plugs or switches. These are all signs that your wiring may be worn out or unsafe—especially in older homes—and should be checked as soon as possible.
How often should I have my home’s electrical system inspected?
For most homes, a full inspection every 5 to 10 years is recommended. But if you’re dealing with frequent load shedding, power surges, or visible wear and tear, it’s smart to get it checked more often—especially if you rely on backup power systems.
How much does a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) cost, and how long does it last?
A CoC typically costs between R850 and R2,500, depending on the size of your home and how much work needs checking. It doesn’t have an official expiry date, but it must accurately reflect the current state of your electrical system. If you do any electrical upgrades—or plan to sell your property—you may need a new one.
Does my insurance require me to have a valid CoC?
Most insurers do require a valid CoC for claims related to electrical faults, fires, or property damage. If it turns out you’ve had unlicensed work done, your claim could be rejected. Always update your insurer after making major electrical changes.
How do I confirm an electrician is properly licensed in South Africa?
You can ask for their wireman’s licence number and check if they’re registered with the Department of Employment and Labour or a recognised body like the ECBSA (Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa). A reputable electrician will have no problem showing proof.
Are there other rules or codes besides SANS 10142 that I should know about?
Yes. While SANS 10142 is the main standard, municipalities may have additional bylaws, and national building codes can also apply. The safest approach is to check with your local council or ask a registered electrician if any extra rules apply to your area.
What’s involved in getting approval for solar or inverter systems from the municipality?
You’ll usually need to submit a wiring diagram, a Certificate of Compliance, and a detailed system design to your local council—especially if the system connects to the grid. Working with a registered installer ensures your setup meets all safety and legal standards.
How can I protect appliances during load shedding besides using an inverter?
Start by unplugging sensitive electronics during outages, and install surge protectors or surge arrestors at your DB board. Stay informed of the load shedding schedule, and avoid overloading circuits when the power returns.
How long does it take to get an electrician for a non-emergency job?
On average, expect a wait of 2 to 5 working days, depending on your location. After big storms or during high load shedding stages, demand spikes—so you may need to book further in advance during those times.
Are there any government incentives for upgrading my home’s electrical system?
Direct grants are rare, but some banks offer green energy loans, and tax incentives may apply for solar systems or energy-efficient upgrades. Keep an eye out for pilot projects run by Eskom or your municipality—they sometimes offer limited-time programs.
What should I do if I think there’s an electrical fire or serious fault?
Switch off your main power at the DB board if it’s safe to do so, and call emergency services immediately. Never use water on an electrical fire—use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher if you have one on hand.
What happens if I do electrical work myself and something goes wrong?
If unlicensed work causes damage, injury, or fire, you could face criminal charges, fines, and insurance rejections. Legally, homeowners are responsible for ensuring that all electrical work on their property is done by a qualified professional—even if someone else did it.