How do I know my board needs upgrading?

Open the cover. Re-wireable fuses, or no unit with a test button on it, both mean an upgrade is due regardless of anything else. No spare ways, overcrowded terminals, or any buzzing or discolouration are the other signals — and buzzing means call today, not book next week.

Do I need this before installing solar?

Almost always. Solar and battery systems need essential-loads separation and proper isolation, and an old board simply has nowhere to put it. Doing the board first also means the solar installation can be certified rather than held up while the board is dealt with mid-project.

Will I get an Electrical COC?

Yes, issued in the registered person's own name with their registration number on it. That certificate covers the installation as it stands on the day, which is why it is worth doing the board and any other outstanding electrical work as one exercise rather than in pieces.

Kempton Park · Immediate if the board buzzes or smells hot

DB board upgrades in Kempton Park

Owner-run electrical work across Kempton Park for over 16 years — The 1970s and 1980s freehold suburbs near OR Tambo and the guesthouses converted from them.

DB board upgrades in Kempton Park — what we actually find

The practical obstacle on a Kempton Park board is space: they are commonly full, with no spare way for the dedicated circuits a certificate now requires. Where the property runs as a guesthouse or short-let near OR Tambo, the compliance requirements differ from a domestic installation altogether, and we assess against the correct one before specifying the board.

Property stock in Kempton Park

Kempton Park's 1970s and 1980s freehold homes are at the age where original galvanised supply pipe fails from the inside out, so pressure drops gradually rather than bursting and owners tend to blame the geyser. Proximity to OR Tambo means many properties run guesthouse or short-let operations from converted homes, which carries different compliance requirements from a domestic installation.

Direct access. On guesthouse and short-let properties we schedule around occupancy and assess against the compliance standard that fits the actual use.

Faults that cluster in Kempton Park

Galvanised supply pipe failing from the inside out, read as a weak geyser
Guesthouse and short-let use assessed against domestic rather than the correct standard
Full boards with no spare way for the dedicated circuits a COC now requires
Flow restriction between geyser outlet and tap rather than a cylinder fault

How DB board upgrades works

A distribution board needs upgrading if it is more than about twenty-five years old, still uses re-wireable fuses, has no earth leakage protection, or predates current SANS 10142 layout requirements. It is also effectively a prerequisite for solar, an EV charger or any significant renovation, because the new work has to be certified and an old board will not support it. A board that buzzes or smells hot is not a scheduling matter — that is how board fires start.

Full board replacement to current SANS 10142 requirements
Earth leakage protection where none is fitted, and correct circuit separation
Surge arrester installation, which matters on the Highveld more than most places
Load surveys before adding solar, an EV charger or renovation circuits
Electrical COC issued in the registered person's own name on completion

Our process on a Kempton Park call-out

1Inspect the existing board, its protection devices and the circuit layout
2Measure actual load per circuit rather than assuming the original design still fits
3Quote the board, protection, surge arrester and certification as itemised work
4Replace and re-terminate, torque-checking every connection
5Test each circuit and issue the Electrical COC

DB board upgrades in Kempton Park — frequently asked questions

For the full detail on this service, see our DB board upgrades page. For everything else we do in the area, see electricians in Kempton Park.

Other work we do in Kempton Park

Geyser repairs in Kempton Park Emergency plumbing in Kempton Park Blocked drain clearing in Kempton Park Burst pipe repairs in Kempton Park Leak detection in Kempton Park Plumbing COC inspections in Kempton Park Solar and backup power in Kempton Park

Need DB board upgrades in Kempton Park?

Owner-managed by Garth Blair. We pick up the phone and book you in personally.

Call 082 886 9119 WhatsApp

Get in touch

Speak to Garth directly.

Owner-managed means you reach the person who's accountable. Phone, email or WhatsApp — whatever's easiest for you.

Call now
082 886 9119
WhatsApp
082 886 9119
Email
garth@appleplumbing.co.za
Service area
Sandton, Midrand & Northern JHB
Hours
Monday to Saturday, 07:00 – 17:00