Electrician Jobs

An electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Their duties include:

• reading and interpreting electrical, mechanical, and architectural drawings to determine wiring layouts;
• installing electrical distribution and control-related equipment, such as switches, relays, circuit breaker panels, and fuse enclosures;
• testing circuits to ensure integrity and safety;
• installing data cabling or fibre optic systems.

Electricians in South Africa may face more challenges and a different range of work specification when compared to their counterparts in other countries – primarily due to factors such as outdated infrastructure, varying safety standards, and unique local regulations.

Additionally, South African electricians may find that salaries and job opportunities differ significantly when compared to countries such as the United States (US) or the United Kingdom (UK). Here’s a more detailed look at the differences:

• Outdated infrastructure and ageing systems: South Africa’s electrical infrastructure can be older and less modern than in other developed countries, particularly in older buildings and rural areas. This means electricians may encounter systems that don’t meet current safety standards or require more complex repairs. Upgrading older systems can be challenging, requiring electricians to be knowledgeable about both old and new technologies.
• Safety standards and regulations: South African electricians need to be aware of, and comply with, the local regulations – including those of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Electrical Conformance Board (ECB) also plays a role in ensuring that electrical equipment meets safety standards. These regulations may differ from those in other countries, requiring electricians to adapt to what is enforced locally.
• Job market and salary: While South Africa has a demand for electricians, particularly in fields such as renewable energy and building construction, salaries may be lower than in countries such as the US or the UK. Some South African electricians may find it challenging to find suitable employment, or may need to work through agency to take on ad hoc contract work. Salaries can also vary based on location and specialisation, such as whether the requirement is to work in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting.
• Skills and specialisation: South African electricians may be required to work with different types of electrical systems, including low-voltage systems, high-voltage systems, and renewable energy technologies such as solar panels. They may also need to specialise in technical areas such as plant maintenance, switching, routing, and automation to increase their earning potential.
• International standards and recognition: While some skills and experience are transferable, the electrical profession is regulated differently across countries – and there may be varying certification requirements. South African electricians may need to undergo additional training or assessment to be recognised in another country. The differences in electrical standards, such as voltage and frequency, also require adjustments from one nation to another.

To pursue a career as an electrician in South Africa, one typically needs a Grade 9 certificate. However, a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with Mathematics and Physical Science is preferred. The Electrical Compliance Certificate advises that most colleges require their electrician students to have studied Mathematics, Physical Science, and English while at high school.

Before you select becoming an electrician as your preferred career trade, also look up plumbing jobs, welding jobs, and construction jobs for interest.

There are at least three pathways open to assist you in becoming a qualified electrician in South Africa.

Firstly, you can sign up for the National Certification (N1-N3) Electrical Engineering courses at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. Examples include:

• the College of Cape Town (CCT), which offers N1 to N3 Electrical Engineering courses;
• False Bay TVET College, which provides Electrical Engineering N1 to N6 courses, including a specific programme for an Occupational Certificate (Electrician), and has a Westlake Campus for training and trade tests;
• South Cape TVET College (SCC), which offers Electrical courses at levels N1 through to N3;
• Northlink TVET College, which offers certain Electrical courses;
• Vuselela TVET College, which provides Electrical Engineering at levels N1 through to N6;
• Ikhala TVET College, which offers Electrical Engineering courses from N4 to N6 levels;
• Majuba TVET College, which provides certain Electrician course options for students to consider.

Secondly, you could sign up at a private training institution that offers courses accredited by either the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), or the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). Examples include:

• Nomanzi Trade College, which offers courses in electrical trade test preparation;
• Kigima Auto Electrical Training Centre, based in Pretoria, which provides a full spectrum of auto-electrical training, from basic to advanced levels;
• Petra Institute of Development, which focuses on skills development – including electrical courses;
• the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECASA), Cape Town, which has an additional training centre in Pretoria for apprentices and also offers Electrical Construction Operator (Elconop) courses;
• TDMI Training, based in George, which offers online electrician courses run by experienced tutors, that are suitable for busy professionals to take on after hours.

A third option, is to apply for a learnership or apprenticeship, which will generally combine classroom training with hands-on experience – and typically lasts between three and four years.

You will need to obtain a Wireman’s Licence, which allows electricians to issue Certificates of Compliance (CoC) and proves competence in inspecting and repairing electrical installations. You will also need to pass the SANS 10142-1 National Exam, which assesses candidates’ knowledge of the Code of Practice for the Wiring of Premises. After completing these two steps, be sure to register with the Department of Labour (DoL), to make sure that your electrical installation work meets safety standards and complies with regulations.

Register as an Electrical Tester for Single Phase, to work on single-phase installations; as an Installation Electrician, to work on any electrical installation – excluding specialised installations; and as a Master Installation Electrician, to be able to work on any electrical installation, including highly specialised installations.

While electrician salaries will vary according to experience and level of specialisation, an entry-level electrician generally earns between R8 000 and R12 000 per month (R96 000 to R144 000 per annum), while an electrician with five to 10 years of experience can earn between R15 000 and R25 000 per month (R180 000 to R300 000 per annum).

However, if you decide to open your own electrician business and join the ranks of other self-employed electricians, it is possible to charge between R250 and R500 per hour for your services – depending, of course, on how much experience you have in the industry and the complexity of the job you are undertaking.

Electricians in the US and UK generally earn more than their counterparts in South Africa. In the US, an electrician’s average salary can range from US$49 808 (R885 713) to US$85 698 (R1 523 928) per annum depending on experience, with an average of US$62 398 (R1 109 595). In the UK, the average electrician salary is around £33 000 (R793 828) per annum but can vary greatly depending on location and experience – with experienced electricians in certain areas earning upwards of £42,000 (R1 010 327) per annum.

Experts in the field have identified three main factors affected what an electrician can earn in this country. These factors are:

• geographic location: electricians in sizeable urban centres, such as those based in jobs in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and jobs in Durban, can earn higher salaries due to the increased demand and higher living costs of a city (versus a smaller centre);
• specialisation: electricians who study further and specialise in niches such as industrial electrical systems or automation are likely to earn higher salaries as a result of their skills and qualifications;
• industry: electricians who choose to work in economically important sectors, such as mining, oil, and/or manufacturing, often earn more due to the technical and potentially hazardous nature of their jobs.

Electricians can take up career opportunities in sectors that include construction, renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, and government infrastructure projects. For those with entrepreneurial tendencies, it is possible to open their own businesses and thereby offer services such as home and office electrical repairs, solar panel installations, and wiring for new commercial buildings and residential estates.

For those wishing to tap into the highest possible salaries that this skillset can offer, electricians can choose to specialise in high-demand areas such as renewable energy, industrial automation, and HVAC systems.

Electricians play a crucial role in the renewable energy field, primarily due to their ability to install, maintain, and upgrade renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.

They are also essential in ensuring the safe and efficient integration of these systems into the existing electrical grid, and in optimising their energy consumption within homes and business settings.

Their specific responsibilities encompass:

• physically installing renewable energy systems, including solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies;
• performing routine maintenance tasks on renewable energy systems to ensure that they are operating at peak efficiency and safety;
• upgrade existing renewable energy systems with newer, more efficient technologies to improve performance and reduce energy-related expenditure;
• ensuring that renewable energy systems are safely and effectively integrated into the existing electrical grid, which may involve installing new wiring, panels, and other equipment;
• conducting energy audits to identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced, leading to more efficient use of renewable energy sources;
• developing and maintaining smart grids, which help to manage the variability and intermittency of renewable energy and ensure a stable supply of power;
• working with energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, to balance supply and demand, and make renewable energy sources optimally reliable.

Whether you’ve been tasked with repairing a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, or have been called in to remedy a faulty automation set-up, your role will generally involve repairing, developing and maintaining the equipment at hand to reach optimal functionality.

You’re cut out for this kind of electrician role if you relish troubleshooting electrical gadgets to identify and rectify their operational issues, so that they can assist an entire plant, factory, or business operation to work more effectively and efficiently.

Electricians typically work a 40-hour to 45-hour week, with potential overtime. Working conditions can vary from clean indoor settings, to rugged outdoor sites or cramped spaces such as ceilings of builds. When it comes to job stability, there is less likelihood of ongoing work in construction – a field in which the need for an electrician will come and go – versus in an industrial setting, where the maintenance requirements of a plant or system are likely to be ongoing.

Advancement can be achieved by:

• gaining more experience, so that you can take on more involved and complex projects;
• furthering your education, when you add higher or more specialised qualifications to your CV;
• networking, when you join professional associations such as the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), through which you will be able expand your circle, and get called in to assist on the most interesting projects in the industry.

Electricians face numerous safety hazards in their daily work, including electrical shocks, burns, fires, and falls. They may also encounter risks from working in confined spaces, at height, or in wet or extreme conditions. Furthermore, exposure to asbestos, lead, solvents, and welding hazards can pose health risks.

Here are all the safety risks to consider, and read up about, before committing to this line of work:

• Electrical hazards:
  • Direct contact with live electrical parts can cause electrocution or burns;
  • Arc flash and arc blast are hazards that can occur when high-voltage electricity arcs through the air, causing burns, explosions, and the potential for injury;
  • Overloading circuits or using damaged equipment can lead to overheating, fires, and shocks;
  • Lack of proper grounding can leave equipment or systems "hot," increasing the risk of electrocution;
  • Frayed or exposed wires can create hazards, increasing the likelihood of shocks or fires;
  • Working with electrical equipment in wet environments significantly increases the risk of electrocution, due to water’s conductivity;
  • The high voltage carried by overhead power lines poses a serious risk of electrocution, burns, and falls if not maintained at a safe distance;
  • Limited space in work areas can make it difficult to move, increasing the risk of slips and falls, and making it harder to quickly access tools or equipment;
  • Electrical hazards can start fires, especially when equipment is overloaded or damaged.
• Non-electrical hazards:
  • Working at height, on ladders, or in poorly lit areas can increase the risk of falls;
  • Uneven surfaces, clutter, or wet floors can lead to slips, trips, and falls;
  • Welding can expose electricians to UV radiation, fumes, and sparks, which can cause burns, respiratory issues, and eye problems;
  • Lifting, carrying, and handling heavy materials or equipment can lead to back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems;
  • Electricians can be exposed to asbestos, lead, solvents, and other hazardous materials during their work;
  • The nature of electrical work, which can involve long hours, demanding situations, and working alone, can contribute to both stress and high levels of fatigue.

Becoming an electrician is a rewarding career path due to high demand, good earning potential, and the diversity of specialisation options that it offers.

The job offers a sense of accomplishment from its hands-on nature, the way in which it contributes to the safety and functionality of electrical systems, and the immediate results that can be seen when a job is complete.

Furthermore, the electrical trade provides job security, opportunities for advancement, and the opportunity to work in diverse settings and economic sectors.

The greatest electrical engineering feat of all time is widely considered to be the invention of the transistor. Without it, modern electronics – including smartphones, the internet, and numerous other devices – would not be possible. Its miniaturisation and optimisation have revolutionised the electronics industry.

There are four reasons why the invention of the transistor is considered so significant:

• invented at Bell Labs in 1947, it is the fundamental building block of most electronic devices;
• once the much-prized Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) came along – crucial for its ability to be miniaturised and mass-produced – the transistor saw widespread use in a significant number of applications;
• its invention, and subsequent development, has transformed – even revolutionised – technology, communication, and daily life;
• continued advancements in transistor technology are driving further innovations in electronics, computing, and other fields.

According to Industrial Electrical Warehouse’s Facebook Page, the following five books are key for any electrician – whether they’re looking to sharpen their technical skills, improve their troubleshooting ability, or level up in their leadership and on-site productivity:

• Ugly’s Electrical References, by George V Hart – a must-have pocket guide for quick electrical calculations, codes, and wiring configurations;
• Practical Electrical Wiring, by Frederic P Hartwell and Herbert P Richter – one of the best guides for understanding residential, commercial, and industrial wiring in real-world applications;
• How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, by Michael Geier – great for electricians who are keen to sharpen their troubleshooting skills in electronics repair;
• Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek – a powerful book on leadership, teamwork, and creating a work environment where everyone thrives. Invaluable for electricians leading crews or running their own businesses;
• The 5 AM Club, by Robin Sharma – a game-changer for productivity, focus, and success when you’re an electrician (or any ambitious professional) looking to power up your mindset for the working world.

• The Prestige (2006), in which two magicians in Victorian London team-up, fall out, become great rivals, and ultimately battle for illusionist supremacy;
• Snowpiercer (2013), which is set in a post-apocalyptic frozen world where the remnants of humanity are all on a train that constantly circumnavigates the globe;
• Apollo 13 (1995), which tells the true story of the Apollo 13 mission to the Luna surface, that was aborted due to an explosion en route;
• First Man (2018), a film that documents Neil Armstrong’s journey from test pilot to walking on the moon, which includes plenty of cool aircraft and explores the concepts of aerospace, propulsion-system design, and electrical engineering, such that you’ll wonder how on earth (pun intended!) this flimsy X-15 spaceplane managed to get to space and bring everyone back alive;
• Dr Strangelove (1964), Stanley Kubrick’s blackest of black comedies about man’s hubris and nuclear Armageddon, that features Peter Sellers in multiple roles and focuses on the creation of a doomsday device and Dr Strangelove’s plan to accommodate the US leadership in deep mineshafts for 100 years.

Electricians and electrical engineers both work with electrical systems, but their roles differ significantly. Engineers design and plan, while electricians install and maintain. While there’s overlap in the basic electrical knowledge that both are required to have assimilated, engineers focus on theoretical application and complex system design; whereas electricians focus on hands-on installation and troubleshooting.