How To Become an Electrician In South Africa

An electrician is a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment.

What Qualifications do Electricians Need in South Africa?

Electricians in South Africa are subjected to a number of requirements when it comes to their qualifications.

Firstly they need to pass all three electrical engineering NQF levels (N1 – N3),

secondly, they need to obtain a wireman’s license which requires them to prove they have the necessary skills for the job,

thirdly, they need to pass the SANS 10142-1 national exam and lastly they need to be registered with the Department of Labour (DoL).

The steps below give further details on the qualifications, exams and registration process required by electricians

Step 1: Electricians need to pass NQF levels N1, N2 and N3 for Electrical Engineering

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa provides an important framework for determining the levels of training required across different areas of study. The NQF was created by the South African Qualifications Authority.

The framework allows students to track their academic achievements and ensure that qualifications are recognised. The NQF consists of various levels starting at N1 (General certificate) and ending at N10 (Doctoral Degree).

Step 2: Electricians need to obtain a Wireman’s license

A wireman’s licence is a valuable certificate as it proves that the electrician (registered person) put hard work into their studies and has the necessary skills to perform electrical work.

These skills include the ability to conduct verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of electrical installations.

Step 3: Electricians need to pass the SANS 10142-1 National Exam

SANS 10142-1 stands for the Code of Practice for the Wiring of Premises. This is a national South African standard and electricians are required to pass this national exam before they are allowed to operate as electricians in South Africa.

Step 4: Electricians need to register with The Department of Labour (DoL)

Electricians are required by law to register with the Department of Labour (DoL). Electricians have the option of registering for one or three years.

To register as an electrical contractor with the DoL, firstly, an electrician must pass a trade test and have an NQF level 3 qualification as a minimum. Secondly, they must obtain a wireman’s license and thirdly they must pass the SANS 10142-1 national exam.

You can find further information below on the three registered person categories:

Electrical tester for single phase

 Firstly, registered as an electrical tester for single phase in terms of regulation 11 (2) 

Secondly, for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of electrical installations supplied by a single-phase electricity supply at the point of control.

Thirdly, it excludes specialised electrical installations.

Installation electrician

 Firstly, registered as an installation electrician in terms of regulation 11 (2) 

Secondly, for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of any electrical installation.

Thirdly, it excludes specialised electrical installations.

Master electrician

 Firstly, registered as a master installation electrician in terms of regulation 11 (2) 

Secondly, for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of any electrical installation.

Thirdly, it does not exclude specialised electrical installations.

How much is an electrician paid in South Africa?

The average pay for an Electrician is ZAR 275,906 a year and ZAR 133 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for an Electrician is between ZAR 201,568 and ZAR 341,986. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for an Electrician.

Is there a quick way to become an electrician?

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.

Is there a demand for electricians in South Africa?

As South Africa’s energy requirements increase, so too does the demand for skilled electricians. Electrical engineering tops the National Scarce Skills List, and this high-growth sector offers an abundance of job opportunities.

How hard is it to become an electrician?

Is it Difficult to Become an Electrician? It takes many years of experience in the trade to gain the knowledge you need to qualify as a master electrician. As the first stage of your career, you will need to spend four to six years as an apprentice to become a fully qualified electrician.

How much does a qualified electrician earn in South Africa per month?

The average salary for an Electrician in SA is R 93,20 gross per hour (R 16 154 gross per month), which is 30% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: an Electrician can expect an average starting pay of R 40,30. The highest pay rates can exceed R 175 per hour.

What do electricians charge per hour in South Africa?

Electrician Rate Table

Average Electrician’s Rate Per HourR450
Electrician’s Price Range Per HourR350 to R600
Simple and Quick Electrical JobR350 to R400 per hour
Complex Electrical JobR400 to R500 per hour
Very High Level Electrical JobR500 to R700 per hour

Do electricians use a lot of math?

While many basic jobsite math problems can be done in an electrician’s head or with the aid of a calculator, many equations require a true practical knowledge of the relevant mathematical discipline. Electricians must confidently use math to guide their work and comply with all industry regulations.

Is electrician a dying trade?

The BLS reports that employment of electricians is projected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028 faster than the average for all occupations. The shortage is due to more than the number of retiring electricians outpacing that of new electricians.

How much does it cost to rewire a house in South Africa?

Wiring a 3-bedroom house costs range between R20,000 / complete wiring and R30,000 / complete wiring with an average of R25,000 / complete wiring. This is the price for a double plug point when installing new wiring or rewiring.

Can I be an electrician if I’m bad at math?

You can have a successful career as an electrician knowing nothing more than basic arithmetic and, maybe, very elementary algebra. Don’t be intimidated by the algebra, it’s not as difficult as it looks. The higher you go the more math you will need.