How To Become A Master Electrician In South Africa

A Master Electrician is responsible for implementing the lighting design for a production drawn up by the lighting designer. This involves overseeing the preparation, hanging, connection and focusing of stage lighting fixtures.

Requirements for a Master Electrician Licence In South Africa

Why would I want to become a Master Electrician?

If you plan to operate an Electrical Contracting Business or be employed as a Designated Master Electrician or wish to join a group of qualified and skilled professionals, please review the requirements for obtaining a Master Electrician licence below.

How to become a Master Electrician – Minimum Requirements:

Each applicant for a Master Electrician license must meet the requirements of the Electricity Act, 1998 (the Act) and Ontario Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation).

The Licensing Regulation requires Master Electricians to meet minimum prescribed requirements, such as:

Be at least 18 years of age;

Have at least three years’ experience in the electrical trade:

As a journeyperson electrician carrying out work under a valid Certificate of Qualification; or

Practicing the trade of electrician — construction and maintenance; electrician — domestic and rural or industrial electrician under a valid Certificate of Qualification; 

Practicing the trade of powerline technician under a valid Certificate of Qualification;

Working for an electrical contractor as a licensed P.Eng. registered with the Professional Engineers Ontario; or

Working for an electrical contractor as a Certified Engineering Technologist or C.Tech registered with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians & Technologists;

Below are steps To Become A Master Electrician In South Africa

Pass the Master Electrician exam. Find out how to register for the exam here.

NOTE: The Master Electrician examination is only offered through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). ESA and other organizations offer training to help you get ready for the exam. ESA offers Classroom, On-line and Self-Study training options. Read more about ESA’s Pre-Master Electrician Training Offerings.

Apply for your Master Electrician licence. Visit the Contractor Licensing Forms page for the form. The form package includes a checklist to ensure you include everything required. You can also email ESA.Licensing@electricalsafety.on.ca or call 1-877-ESA-SAFE for assistance.

If the conditions are NOT met, the Director of Licensing may refuse to grant a licence and may issue a Notice of Proposal explaining the reasons. 

If you qualify, you will receive your Master Electrician license within four weeks of submitting your completed application.

Once the license is issued, to keep it valid, you must conduct yourself with honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law. Failure to do so may result in compliance action or proposal to revoke/suspend the licence.

Visit this link to find out about how to Renew your Master Electrician licence

Responsibilities of a Designated Master Electrician

As a Designated Master Electrician, you have a number of responsibilities and are required to comply with them for the duration of your licence, at all times:

Ensure the Electrical Contractor complies with the Electrical Safety Code while performing electrical installations

Conduct personal planning and direct supervision of the work carried out on behalf of the electrical contractor;

Oversee the work conducted by the electrical contractor to ensure that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations, such as:

Consumer protection legislation

Laws related to health and safety

Laws relating to employment standards

Business laws and business practices

Understand and follow the License Holder Standards of Conduct

What qualifications do you need to be a master electrician?

For an electrical contractor to qualify as a master electrician, he/she must have amassed practical hours or years as an electrician and will need to prove qualification and age, as well as possess a valid electrical contractor’s license.

What is the highest qualification for an electrician in South Africa ?

To qualify as an electrician, you need an industry-recognised Level 3 qualification, such as:

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance)

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structure and the Environment)

How long does it take to become an electrician in South Africa?

The N1, N2 and N3 national certificates for electrical engineering are three distinct certificates that provide sufficient hours of training and learning for electricians. The duration of each level is three months and completing all three levels (N1 – N3) takes one year.

How can I become an electrician fast?

Quite simply, online electrical training is the fastest and most convenient way to attain your electrician qualifications. With an online electrical training course, you can work on compiling your evidence for your NVQ Level 3 portfolio when it’s convenient for you.

How much does a qualified electrician earn in South Africa?

The average pay for an Electrician is ZAR 276,076 a year and ZAR 133 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for an Electrician is between ZAR 201,692 and ZAR 342,196. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for an Electrician.

Are electricians in demand in South Africa?

Considering the increasing demand for energy, electricians are becoming more and more important in South Africa. Electrical engineering tops the National Scarce Skills List, and this high-growth sector offers an abundance of job opportunities.

What is the hourly rate for an electrician in South Africa?

How Much Is An Electrician Call Out Fee?

South African Average Hourly RateR450
Price RangeR350-R600
Top level ElectricianR600
Mid level ElectricianR350
Emergency call outR450 – R700

Can electricians get rich?

Electricians may be paid by the hour or by day rate so they can only earn their rate or the maximum hours you can fit in a day. Sometimes they may be on a price so if they complete a job quickly, it’ll maximise profits but regardless, you won’t become that millionaire when you work for somebody.