Bad electrical work is not just expensive — it is dangerous and can void your insurance. After 16 years wiring and certifying homes across Sandton, Midrand and Northern Johannesburg, here are the eight checks that separate a real electrician from a risk.
1. Confirm they are registered and can issue a COC
Only an electrician registered with the Department of Labour can legally sign off work and issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance. If they cannot issue a COC, they are not qualified to touch your installation.
2. Get a written quote first
A professional inspects the job and quotes in writing before starting. Open-ended "we'll bill hourly" with no estimate is how a small fault becomes a large invoice.
3. Check public liability insurance
Electrical faults cause fires. If something goes wrong, public liability cover is what pays for the damage. Ask directly — uninsured operators are cheap until disaster strikes.
4. Ask who does the work
Many "companies" are call centres dispatching whoever is free. With an owner-managed team you get the same accountable person each visit.
5. Insist on compliant materials
Correct cable sizing, proper breakers and earth-leakage protection are not optional. Cut-price components fail and fail dangerously.
6. Beware suspiciously low callouts
A tiny callout fee is bait; the real cost appears once they are committed on site. Fair and transparent beats cheap-then-padded.
7. Check they handle COCs and DB boards properly
For property transfers and insurance you will need compliant DB-board work and a valid COC. Make sure that is part of the quote, not an afterthought.
8. Make sure they serve your suburb
We cover Sandton, Midrand, Fourways, Bryanston, Randburg and the wider Northern Johannesburg and East Rand area. See our full electrical services or request a quote.