Electrical work is one area where a cheap or rushed decision can become expensive — and dangerous. A loose connection, overloaded circuit or incorrectly altered distribution board may not show an obvious problem immediately, but it can expose people and property to serious risk.
You do not need to understand every technical detail before hiring an electrician. You do need to know what to ask, what should be documented and when a suitably registered person must be involved.
Use these seven questions to compare electricians before allowing work to begin.
1. Are you qualified and registered for this type of electrical work?
“Electrician” can describe people with different training, experience and authority. Ask who will physically perform the work and who will inspect or certify it where certification is required.
The South African Department of Employment and Labour’s Electrical Installation Regulations set requirements around electrical installation work and Certificates of Compliance. A provider should be able to explain which registered person is responsible for the work and certification — not simply say that “the company is registered” without details.
Ask for:
- the full name of the person responsible for certification;
- the type of registration they hold;
- the name that will appear on the invoice and certificate; and
- a clear explanation of whether subcontractors or assistants will be used.
For small jobs, the same person may inspect, repair and certify the work. On larger projects, different team members may be involved. The important point is that responsibility is clear.
2. Will this work require an electrical Certificate of Compliance?
An electrical Certificate of Compliance, often called an electrical CoC, is not a decorative extra. It records that an electrical installation has been inspected and tested against the applicable safety standard.
Ask before accepting the quote:
- Does the proposed work require a new or supplementary CoC?
- Who will issue it?
- Is the certificate included in the price?
- Will defects elsewhere in the installation affect certification?
- What documentation will I receive when the job is complete?
The answer depends on the nature of the work and the existing installation. Be careful of anyone who promises a certificate without inspecting and testing the relevant work, or who treats certification as an unexplained cash add-on after the job.
You can read the Electrical Installation Regulations published by the Department of Employment and Labour for the formal framework.
3. Have you completed similar work before?
Electrical work ranges from replacing a damaged socket to rewiring a property, installing backup power or diagnosing repeated tripping. The right experience for one job does not automatically cover every other job.
Describe the problem and ask for examples of similar work. For larger jobs, request recent references or photographs that show the work before walls and panels were closed. If the project involves solar, an inverter, a generator or three-phase supply, ask about specific experience with that system and how it integrates with the existing installation.
A capable electrician should explain the likely process without pretending to know the final diagnosis before testing.
4. What exactly is included in the written quote?
A short message saying “electrical work — R8,000” is not enough for a meaningful comparison. A useful quote should separate the scope from assumptions and exclusions.
Ask the electrician to state:
- which faults or areas will be investigated;
- which fittings, cables, breakers or other materials are included;
- labour and call-out charges;
- testing and certification costs;
- whether making good walls or ceilings is included;
- VAT status;
- expected timing; and
- how additional work will be approved.
Do not compare totals until the scopes match. One quote may include compliant replacement components and certification while another covers labour only. Our guide to comparing local service quotes explains how to place competing quotes side by side.
5. Are you insured for the work being done?
For substantial work, ask whether the contractor has suitable public liability or contractor insurance. Insurance does not prove competence, but it can matter if accidental damage or injury occurs.
Request the business name under which the policy is held and confirm that the type of work is covered. On a large renovation, also ask who is responsible for site safety, damage caused by other contractors and coordination between the electrician and builder.
Keep the quote, invoice, payment record, test results and certificate together. Good records make follow-up much easier.
6. What guarantee and after-service support do you provide?
Ask what happens if a new fault appears or the same fault returns soon after the job. Separate workmanship guarantees from manufacturer warranties on products.
Useful questions include:
- How long is the workmanship guarantee?
- What is excluded?
- Who handles a failed component?
- Is a return visit chargeable?
- How quickly can the business respond to an urgent problem?
Request the answer in writing. A confident contractor should be able to explain the follow-up process without promising that no component will ever fail.
7. How will you keep the property and occupants safe?
Professional conduct matters before the first tool is used. Ask how power will be isolated, whether occupants need to leave an area, and what must remain switched off while work is incomplete.
Watch for warning signs such as:
- working live without a clear reason or safety process;
- bypassing protective devices to “get the power back on”;
- leaving exposed conductors accessible;
- refusing to test completed work;
- pressuring you to approve major work immediately; or
- telling you that documentation is unnecessary without explaining why.
If you smell burning, see sparks, find a hot distribution board or suspect exposed live wiring, keep people away and switch off the supply only if it is safe to do so. Contact an emergency electrician rather than investigating inside electrical equipment yourself.
Quick electrician hiring checklist
Before confirming the job, check that:
- the responsible person and their registration are clear;
- the need for an electrical CoC has been discussed;
- the electrician has relevant experience;
- the quote lists scope, materials, testing and exclusions;
- additional work needs your approval;
- insurance has been checked for higher-risk work;
- guarantees are in writing; and
- you understand the safety plan and timing.
Frequently asked questions
Can any electrician issue an electrical CoC in South Africa?
No. A Certificate of Compliance must be issued by a person registered for the relevant responsibility under the applicable regulations. Ask for the details of the registered person who will inspect, test and sign the certificate.
Should I accept an electrical quote over WhatsApp?
WhatsApp can be a convenient way to receive a quote, but the message or attached document should still identify the business, scope, materials, price, exclusions and certification. Save a copy outside the chat for your records.
Is the cheapest electrician usually the best value?
Not necessarily. A cheaper price may exclude testing, suitable components, repairs to related faults or certification. Compare equivalent scopes and consider competence, communication and follow-up support.
What should I do if an electrician finds additional faults?
Ask for an explanation, photographs or test results where appropriate, and an updated written price before approving extra work. Urgent safety risks may require immediate isolation, but the electrician should still explain the next step.
Find an electrician with more confidence
Good electrical work protects more than the appliance being repaired. It protects the people who use the property every day. Take time to compare the responsible person, certification, scope and support — not only the price.
Browse local businesses on Find At Home and contact a suitable service provider for your area.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for an electrical inspection or professional safety advice. Requirements depend on the installation and work involved.
