FAQAll Your Questions, Answered.
Electrician FAQ
What does a local electrician charge per hour?
Local electricians typically charge between R450 to R950 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the job.
How much does an electrician charge in South Africa?
Electrician rates in South Africa can vary, but they generally range from R450 to R950 per hour. Some may also charge a call-out fee.
How much to wire a 3 bedroom house?
Wiring a 3-bedroom house can cost anywhere from R20,000 to R50,000, depending on the size of the house and the specific requirements.
How long does it take to rewire a 3-bedroom house?
Rewiring a 3-bedroom house typically takes about 5 to 10 days, depending on the complexity and the existing wiring condition.
How do I calculate electrical wiring for my house?
Calculating electrical wiring for your house involves determining the total load requirement, selecting the appropriate wire gauge, and considering the length of the wire runs. It's best to consult with a professional electrician for an accurate assessment.
How much to charge for wiring a house in South Africa?
The cost to wire a house in South Africa can vary widely, but on average, it can range from R20,000 to R70,000 depending on the size and specific requirements of the house.
How much to change plugs and switches?
Changing plugs and switches can cost between R50 to R150 per unit, excluding the electrician's hourly rate.
What is a qualified electrician?
A qualified electrician is someone who has completed the necessary education, training, and apprenticeship, and holds a valid certification or license to perform electrical work.
How do I know if someone is a qualified electrician?
You can verify if someone is a qualified electrician by checking their certification, licensing, and asking for references or previous work examples.
How to check if someone is a certified electrician?
To check if someone is a certified electrician, you can request their certification number and verify it with the relevant certifying authority in South Africa.
How do I know if my electrician is registered with Labour?
You can check if your electrician is registered with the Department of Labour by requesting their registration details and verifying them with the department.
What is an electrical emergency?
An electrical emergency is any situation where there is a risk of electric shock, fire, or significant power outage, such as exposed wires, burning smells, or sparking outlets.
How do I know I need an electrician?
You need an electrician if you experience frequent power outages, flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, burning smells, or any other unusual electrical issues.
Can I do my own electrical work in South Africa?
In South Africa, you can do some minor electrical work yourself, but major work, such as installations and rewiring, must be done by a certified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
How to check if a CoC is valid?
To check if a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is valid, you can verify it with the Electrical Contractors Association or the Department of Labour.
How long is a CoC valid for?
A CoC is typically valid for two years, but it remains valid as long as no electrical alterations are made after it is issued.
How much is a CoC certificate?
A CoC certificate can cost between R900 to R4500, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Solar Power FAQ
How do I estimate solar installation?
Estimating solar installation involves calculating your energy needs, the size of the solar panel system required, and considering installation costs and potential government incentives.
How much does it cost to install solar panels in SA?
The cost to install solar panels in South Africa ranges from R60,000 to R200,000, depending on the size and type of the system.
How much does a 5kW solar system cost?
A 5kW solar system in South Africa can cost between R70,000 to R140,000, including installation.
How many solar panels do I need for a 4-bedroom house in South Africa?
A 4-bedroom house typically requires around 20 to 25 solar panels, depending on energy consumption and panel efficiency.
How many solar panels are required for 5kW?
A 5kW solar system usually requires about 14 to 20 solar panels, depending on the panel's wattage.
How big is a 400W solar panel?
A 400W solar panel is typically around 1.7m by 1.1m in size.
Who can install solar in South Africa?
Certified solar installers or electricians with experience in solar installations can install solar panels in South Africa.
Do you need permission to install solar panels in South Africa?
Yes, you generally need to get permission from your local municipality before installing solar panels, especially if you plan to connect to the grid.
How much does Eskom charge for solar power?
Eskom charges a fee for connecting a solar system to the grid, and the costs can vary. It's best to check with Eskom directly for current charges.
How much does an off-grid solar system cost in South Africa?
An off-grid solar system in South Africa can cost between R150,000 to R500,000, depending on the size and storage capacity.
How many solar panels do I need to go off the grid?
Going off-grid typically requires 30 to 40 solar panels, depending on energy consumption and panel efficiency.
How much is an off-grid power system?
An off-grid power system can cost between R150,000 to R500,000, depending on your energy needs and storage requirements.
Do you need CoC for inverter installation?
Yes, you need a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for inverter installation to ensure it meets safety standards.
Can any electrician install an inverter?
Not all electricians can install inverters; it's best to hire someone with specific experience and certification in inverter installations.
How much does it cost to install an inverter in South Africa?
The cost to install an inverter in South Africa ranges from R10,000 to R30,000, depending on the size and complexity of the installation.
What appliances can run off an inverter?
Inverters can run most household appliances, such as lights, refrigerators, TVs, and computers, depending on their capacity.
What should you not plug into an inverter?
High-power devices like large air conditioners, heaters, and ovens should not be plugged into a low-capacity inverter.
What size inverter is needed to run a house?
To run a house, you typically need an inverter between 3kW to 10kW, depending on your total power consumption.
Which inverter is best for a home?
The best inverter for a home depends on your specific needs, but brands like Victron, SMA, and Fronius are highly recommended.
What size inverter do I need to run a fridge?
You need at least a 1kW inverter to run a standard fridge.
What can you run on a 1000W inverter?
A 1000W inverter can run small appliances like lights, a TV, a laptop, and a small fridge.
What inverter will power a TV?
A 300W to 500W inverter can power a standard TV.
How long will a battery last using an inverter?
Battery life depends on its capacity and the load it's powering. For example, a 100Ah battery can last around 10 hours running a 100W load.
How many batteries are needed for a 5kW solar system?
A 5kW solar system typically requires 8 to 10 batteries of 12V 200Ah, depending on the storage needed.
Is a 5kW inverter enough to run a house?
A 5kW inverter is generally sufficient to run an average-sized house, covering most essential appliances.
Is a 5kW battery enough to run a house?
A 5kW battery can run essential appliances for a limited period, but additional batteries might be needed for full coverage.
How many hours will a 5kW battery last?
A 5kW battery can last between 4 to 10 hours, depending on the load it's powering.