When something electrical stops working at home, it’s tempting to call the nearest handyman — after all, they usually cost less and can “fix almost anything.” But when it comes to electricity, the difference between a handyman and a qualified electrician can mean the difference between a quick fix and a dangerous disaster.
Here’s what every homeowner and business owner in South Africa should know.
⚡ Training and Certification
Qualified electricians undergo formal training, apprenticeships, and Department of Labour registration. They are licensed to handle live electrical systems safely and issue Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) — a legal requirement after any electrical work.
Handymen, on the other hand, may have general repair skills but lack the formal electrical education, testing knowledge, and certification needed to ensure work meets safety standards.
💡 In short: an electrician is trained to make your system safe — a handyman is not.
🧾 Legal Responsibilities
South African law requires that all electrical installations — whether in homes, offices, or industrial buildings — comply with SANS wiring regulations and be certified by a registered electrician.
If a handyman performs electrical work and something goes wrong (like a fire or electrocution), insurance won’t cover the damage and you may be held liable.
🔌 Quality and Safety
Qualified electricians:
- Use proper circuit protection and grounding techniques
- Follow load balancing standards to prevent overloads
- Conduct safety tests before signing off on work
- Can detect and repair hidden faults that handymen often overlook
Handymen might fix the symptom (like a tripping plug), but only a qualified electrician fixes the cause safely and permanently.
💰 Cost vs. Value
It’s true that electricians may charge more upfront — but you’re paying for expertise, accountability, and peace of mind.
When an electrician completes a job, you get:
- A guaranteed CoC
- Safe, compliant wiring
- Long-term reliability
With a handyman, you risk having to redo the work later — and sometimes at a higher cost.
⚙️ Final Thought
When it comes to electrical systems, there’s no substitute for professional skill. Don’t gamble with your safety or property value to save a few rand.
Hire trusted, qualified electricians today.
Visit electricianservices.co.za/get-free-quote — where South Africans find reliable experts they can trust.