How to hire an electrician: complete guide 2026
How to find, check, and hire a properly registered electrician in South Africa.
Why hiring the right electrician matters
Faulty electrical work is a real fire and safety risk, and installations carried out without proper certification can cause problems with your home insurance and when you come to sell the property.
Electrical work in South Africa should be carried out by someone registered with the Department of Employment and Labour, the body responsible for registering electricians and enabling them to issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) once work is done.
This guide walks you through the process from first contact to a signed CoC.
Checklist before accepting a quote
Before committing to any electrician, confirm the following:
1. Registration: only an electrician registered with the Department of Employment and Labour can legally issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Ask to see proof.
2. Written, itemised quote: it should include the electrician's name and contact details, a description of every item of work, materials with prices, and payment terms.
3. CoC included: confirm whether the CoC is part of the quoted price or billed separately. You need this document for property sales and many insurance claims.
4. Public liability cover: ask whether the electrician carries insurance in case something goes wrong on site.
5. A clear guarantee: get the workmanship guarantee period confirmed in writing before work starts.
Why registration and a CoC matter
Faulty electrical work is a real fire and safety risk, and unregistered work can also cause problems if you later try to sell the property or claim on your home insurance after a fire or short circuit. A Certificate of Compliance (CoC), issued only by an electrician registered with the Department of Employment and Labour, confirms the installation meets the required standard. It's a legal requirement when you sell a property, and most insurers will ask for one if you claim after an electrical incident. If an electrician can't or won't provide a CoC for fixed installation work, treat that as a warning sign.
Your consumer rights when hiring an electrician
You have real protections when hiring any tradesperson in South Africa:
Right to a written quote: once you've accepted a quote, the electrician shouldn't charge more than the agreed price without your consent.
Reasonable care and skill: the work should be carried out properly. If it isn't, you're entitled to ask for it to be put right at no extra cost.
Certificate of Compliance: for any fixed electrical installation, you're entitled to receive a CoC once the work is complete. You'll need this to sell the property or to claim on insurance after an electrical incident.
If something goes wrong: keep your written quote and CoC as proof of what was agreed, this is what protects you if you need to raise a complaint or take the matter further.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check that an electrician is properly registered in South Africa?
Ask the electrician directly for their registration details with the Department of Employment and Labour, and ask to see a sample CoC from a previous job. A properly registered electrician will have no hesitation showing this. If they're vague about it, that's a red flag.
Can an electrician charge for coming out to quote?
Many electricians charge a call-out fee, typically R500 to R950, for an initial visit and assessment. Some deduct this from the final bill if you go ahead with the work. Confirm this before booking the visit.
What should I do if electrical work develops a fault after completion?
Contact the electrician in writing (WhatsApp message or email) describing the fault and when it started. If it's due to poor workmanship, the electrician should put it right at no extra cost within the guarantee period. Keep your quote and Certificate of Compliance (CoC) as proof of what was agreed and completed.
Do I need to hire a registered electrician for small jobs?
Most fixed electrical work in a home, new circuits, work in a bathroom, or anything involving the distribution board, should be carried out or signed off by an electrician registered with the Department of Employment and Labour. Simple like-for-like fitting swaps carry less risk, but if you're unsure, ask a registered electrician to confirm before you start.
What should I ask the electrician for in writing before work starts?
Always ask for a written quote with a detailed description of the work, timeframes, and payment terms. Make sure it includes materials, labour, and any extra fees. Ask about the workmanship guarantee too (usually 12 months). A simple written agreement prevents misunderstandings and protects both sides.
How does Prummo make it easier to communicate with electricians?
You can send personalised quotes through Prummo via a shareable link. The electrician sees exactly what was proposed, can log the job's status in real time, and you get notified when the client accepts. Everything in one place, no confusing email threads.