Electrical Questions Answered
Your most common electrical questions — answered honestly by Quadron's qualified electricians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Contact us directly — we're always happy to help.
A typical residential solar system in Cape Town (5–8kW) costs between R80,000 and R150,000 installed, depending on panel count, inverter type, and battery storage. The investment typically pays for itself within 4–6 years through Eskom savings. Quadron provides free, detailed quotes with no obligation.
For most homes, a hybrid inverter with lithium battery storage is the most cost-effective solution — it keeps essential circuits running during load shedding and charges from solar during the day. For total independence from the grid, a full solar + battery + backup generator combination is ideal. We'll assess your usage and recommend the right fit for your budget.
Most residential solar installations are completed in 1–3 days. This includes roof mounting, inverter and battery installation, wiring, and commissioning. We handle all paperwork and grid-tie applications where applicable.
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides very short-term backup (minutes) for sensitive equipment like computers. An inverter system is designed for extended backup (hours) of household or business circuits and can be charged by solar panels for ongoing use. Most load shedding solutions use an inverter, not a UPS.
Yes. South African law (Occupational Health and Safety Act) requires a valid electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC) when selling a property. The seller is responsible for obtaining the certificate prior to transfer. Without it, the property cannot legally change hands. Quadron issues COCs and can arrange same-day inspections in most Cape Town areas.
A COC does not expire on its own, but it becomes invalid if any electrical work is done after it is issued. For property sales, a fresh COC is typically required unless the installation is unchanged and recent. If you've done renovations since your last COC, you'll need a new one.
If faults are found, we provide a detailed defect report and quote to fix the issues. Once repairs are complete, we re-inspect and issue the COC. Common failures include old or undersized wiring, missing earth connections, and non-compliant DB boards. Quadron can handle both the inspection and the remedial work.
Quadron provides 24/7 emergency call-outs across Cape Town and the Western Cape. In most areas we aim to arrive within 45–90 minutes of your call. For the fastest response, call us directly on +27 72 698 8177.
Recurring tripping usually indicates one of these issues: overloaded circuit (too many appliances), a short circuit in wiring or an appliance, a faulty breaker, or earth leakage (water ingress or damaged wiring). Do not simply reset the breaker repeatedly without investigation — call a qualified electrician to diagnose the root cause safely.
A standard new home wiring installation typically takes 3–7 days depending on the size and complexity of the property. Commercial and industrial projects are scoped individually with a detailed project schedule provided before work begins.
Yes. In South Africa, all electrical work must be performed by a registered electrician under the OHS Act. This includes adding a plug point, installing a light fitting, or changing a DB board breaker. Unlicensed work is illegal and voids your home insurance. Quadron handles jobs of all sizes.
Generator sizing depends on which appliances you want to run. A 5–8kVA generator is usually enough for essential home circuits (lights, fridge, TV, one air-con). For a full home including geysers and multiple air conditioners, a 12–20kVA unit is typically recommended. Quadron will calculate your exact load requirements before recommending a generator.
Yes. Quadron's team handles motor testing, fault diagnosis, rewinding, and replacement for single-phase and three-phase motors across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. We also carry out motor control panel installations and repairs.
A call-out fee applies for emergency and after-hours visits. We are transparent about costs upfront — before any work begins you will receive a clear quote. There are no hidden charges. Call us on +27 72 698 8177 for current rates.
Ask Our Qualified Electricians
Our team is available to answer any electrical query — big or small. Contact us for expert advice and a free quote.