Electrical work is priced by the job, the hours and the parts. The figures below help you judge whether a quote is reasonable.
How electricians charge
- Call-out fee for coming out and finding the fault, often higher after hours.
- Labour per hour, or a fixed price for standard jobs.
- Parts: breakers, surge protection, cable and so on, itemised on the quote.
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC) when new work is done or when you sell. Only a registered electrician can issue one.
Certificate of Compliance (2026)
An electrical CoC typically starts at around R1,000 for a straightforward house. The price goes up when the inspection finds faults that must be fixed before the certificate can be issued, which is common in older homes. For a property sale, the CoC must not be older than two years.
Tip: ask for the inspection and the repairs to be quoted separately, so you can see what's needed and compare.
Other common jobs
- Fault finding (tripping earth leakage, dead plugs): usually the call-out fee plus time.
- Distribution board upgrades: depends on the number of circuits and whether surge protection is added. Get a written quote.
- Inverter and battery installations: the equipment is most of the cost. The electrician must sign off the installation, and some municipalities require registration of the system.
Getting a fair price
- Ask for the electrician's registration (installation or master installation electrician).
- Get a written quote that separates labour, parts and the CoC.
- Ask whether a new CoC will be issued for the work.
Read more: Electrical Certificate of Compliance explained.
Source: CoC price from Maya on Money, "A buyer's and seller's guide to the five Certificates of Compliance" (May 2026). Prices are a guide only.
Frequently asked questions
Why might my CoC cost more than the quote?
If the inspection finds faults, such as missing earth leakage protection, poor earthing or unsafe wiring, they must be fixed before the certificate can be issued. Ask for repairs to be quoted separately from the inspection.
Do electricians charge a call-out fee?
Most do, and after-hours or weekend call-outs cost more. Ask for the call-out fee and hourly rate on the phone. See emergency electricians in Benoni.
How can I check an electrician is registered?
Ask for their registration details and, for installation work, confirm they can issue a Certificate of Compliance. Be wary of anyone who can't or won't issue a CoC.
Is it cheaper to combine jobs?
Often yes. Combining a DB board upgrade, surge protection and an inverter changeover in one visit saves on call-out fees and labour. See DB board upgrades.