Electrical Safety for Homeowners and Buyers: Avoid Costly Mistakes Before You Purchase

Buying a home or investing in property in South Africa isn’t just about location, finishes, or price – the electrical system can make or break your investment. Many buyers overlook the condition of wiring, breaker boards, and circuit safety until it’s too late.

Faulty or outdated electrical systems can:

• Pose fire hazards
• Cause appliance damage
• Lead to insurance claim denials
• Invalidate your Certificate of Compliance (CoC)

According to ECA(SA), hundreds of South African homes fail CoC inspections annually due to unsafe or non-compliant wiring. Being informed before buying can save tens of thousands in repairs and potential legal issues.

A CoC confirms that the property’s electrical installation meets SANS 10142-1 standards. For buyers:

• Always request the existing CoC before signing a purchase agreement.
• Verify the electrician’s registration number and inspection date.
• Check if all circuits, lighting, and outlets are covered, not just minor additions.

Without a valid CoC, you may inherit hidden faults that are costly to fix. It’s also illegal for sellers to transfer property without one.

More on CoC requirements: Department of Employment and Labour – Electrical CoC

When viewing a property, look for:

• Flickering lights or dimming when appliances are used
• Discoloured or burnt sockets
• Frequent breaker trips or fuse issues
• DIY electrical modifications or exposed wires
• Old wiring systems (aluminiumor cloth-insulated cables)

Even minor issues may indicate larger systemic problems requiring fault finding or full rewiring.

Ignoring electrical compliance isn’t just risky – it’s expensive. Potential costs include:

• Rewiring and upgrades: Older homes may need partial or full rewires to meet CoC standards.
• Breaker or DB replacement: Outdated distribution boards often fail under modern load.
• Insurance risks: Claims may be denied if damage was caused by non-compliant wiring.
• Fire hazards: Electrical fires are among the leading causes of domestic fires in South Africa.

Investing in proper inspection before purchase can save you from these hidden expenses.

If you’re planning renovations, use this opportunity to:

• Conduct professional fault finding to uncover hidden issues
• Upgrade lighting to energy-efficient LEDs
• Rewire outdated circuits for modern appliances
• Replace or upgrade DB boards for higher loads and safety

A qualified electrician can bundle inspections, upgrades, and rewiring, providing a single CoC covering the entire property.

Before purchasing, ask the seller or agent:

• Is there a current CoC for the property?
• Has any rewiring or electrical work been done recently?
• Are there ongoing electrical issues like trips or flickering lights?
• Who performed the last inspection, and are they registered?
• Are all outlets, lighting, and circuits SANS 10142-1 compliant?

Having clear answers ensures you won’t inherit costly problems.

Even with a CoC, a pre-purchase electrical inspection by a registered electrician is recommended. This service can:

• Identify hidden wiring faults
• Detect faulty breakers or overloaded circuits
• Advise on necessary upgrades before purchase
• Provide a safety report for insurance and financing purposes

This step ensures your investment is safe, legal, and energy-efficient.

Ronald George Electrical provides pre-purchase inspections, fault finding, rewiring, and CoC issuance across Cape Town and surrounding areas. Our services include:

• Thorough electrical audits for homebuyers
• Fault detection and repairs to uncover hidden hazards
• Rewiring and DB upgrades for older homes
• Issuing or updating Certificates of Compliance (CoC) for legal assurance

With over 35 years of experience, BBBEE Level 1 certification, and full compliance with SANS 10142-1 and OHS Act standards, RG Electrical ensures your purchase is safe and future-proof.

Buying a property? Don’t risk hidden electrical faults.
Contact Ronald George Electrical for a professional inspection before you commit.

Electrical compliance is a critical yet often overlooked part of home ownership and property buying. By performing due diligence with:

• A valid CoC
• Professional inspections and fault finding
• Necessary rewiring and upgrades

You’ll ensure your new home is safe, energy-efficient, and legally compliant – while avoiding hidden costs and potential hazards.