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Cheap Electricians Aren’t a Bargain —
They’re a Risk

Knysna Electrical warning banner – message about hiring experienced vs unqualified electricians

Everyone loves a good deal… until it goes up in smoke — literally.

It might seem like you’re saving money by hiring the cheapest electrician, but in our line of work, those shortcuts often lead to sparks, smoke, and sky-high repair bills. We’ve seen it firsthand — botched wiring, burnt-out breakers, and dangerously illegal setups that turn homes into ticking time bombs.

At Knysna Electrical, we don’t just fix problems — we fix disasters caused by “bargain” jobs. And every time, our clients say the same thing:
I should have called you first.”

⚠️ Poor Electrical Work Is a Hidden Safety Hazard in Your Home

In the world of residential and commercial electrical services, it’s not always what you see — it’s what you don’t.

Bad electrical installations often hide behind walls, ticking away quietly until they spark into something dangerous. And here on the Garden Route, where storms, moisture, and aging infrastructure are common, even a small fault can escalate fast.

Here’s what “cheap” or unqualified electrical work might really cost you:

– Electrical fire risk from improperly installed or overloaded circuits

– Electric shock hazards caused by exposed or badly insulated wiring

– Appliance and electronics damage from unstable or fluctuating voltage

– Voided insurance claims due to non-compliant installations

We’ve been called out to homes and businesses in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Sedgefield to correct work done by “budget electricians” — and in most cases, the so-called savings turned into thousands in repairs, new wiring, and sometimes total system replacements.

What seems like a quick fix at a low cost today, could be a full-blown emergency tomorrow — with the invoice to match.

Electrical Certificate of Compliance issued by Knysna Electrical for SANS-approved work

📜 Non-Compliant Electrical Work = Insurance Nightmares & Legal Trouble

When it comes to electrical compliance in South Africa, there’s no grey area — only certified work done by a licensed electrician is considered legal and safe.

Every electrical installation, upgrade, or repair — whether in a new home build or a minor renovation — must comply with the South African National Standards (SANS) and must be backed by a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

Hiring someone who isn’t qualified or registered to issue a CoC puts you at serious risk. Here’s what that decision could cost you:

Legal liability if someone gets injured or worse, electrocuted, due to non-compliant wiring

Voided insurance claims after a fire, shock incident, or power surge — insurers won’t pay out for illegal work

Delays in selling your home — no valid CoC = no transfer

Costly rework, as non-compliant installations must be redone before you can get certification

We’ve rewired entire homes across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Sedgefield, where budget contractors left behind dangerous, uninsurable messes — often without the homeowner’s knowledge.

🛠️ 3. Cut-Rate Contractors Lead to Costly Repairs

That cheaper quote might look tempting… until the power goes out during dinner, your DB board smells like burnt toast, or your TV gets fried during the first rainstorm.

At Knysna Electrical, we’re often called in after the damage is done — and by that stage, it’s no longer a quick fix. It’s a full rescue operation, and those always cost more.

Here’s what “saving money” on an electrician can really cost you:

  • Rewiring or reinstalling entire sections of your electrical system
  • Damaged appliances or electronics — from fridges and geysers to gate motors and security systems
  • Emergency callouts when cheap work fails at the worst possible time (yes, even Sundays)
  • Time lost waiting for parts, repair scheduling, and extra inspections
  • Double or triple the original cost to fix what should have been done right the first time

We’ve seen it across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Sedgefield — property owners trying to cut costs upfront, only to pay for it later in frustration, financial loss, and even insurance claim denials.

🔌 Remember: When it comes to electricity, you’re not just paying for the job —
you’re paying to protect your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.

🧰 4. You're Not Just Paying for a Job — You're Investing in Peace of Mind

🧰 4. You’re Not Just Paying for a Job — You’re Investing in Peace of Mind

Electrical work isn’t just about wires and switches — it’s about security, safety, and trust.

When you hire Knysna Electrical, you’re not only choosing a service — you’re investing in professionals who take pride in protecting what matters most: your home, your family, your future.

Here’s what sets us apart from a “man with a van” operation:

Qualified & Licensed Electricians — fully registered and legally authorized to issue Certificates of Compliance (CoCs)
SANS-Compliant Installations — we don’t just meet the code; we exceed it
Deep Local Knowledge — we understand Knysna’s humidity, storm surges, and coastal wear, and we build accordingly
Long-Term Reliability — our work lasts, and we’re here for support, maintenance, and advice down the line

We go beyond the basics.
We assess your needs, advise on the safest and most cost-effective solutions, protect your assets, and follow up to ensure everything stays running smoothly.

That’s what true accountability looks like — and it’s why more homeowners and businesses in the Garden Route choose Knysna Electrical again and again.

Peace of mind isn’t expensive — it’s priceless.

Knysna Electrical call to action banner - ready to power up safely

🔚 Ready to Power Up Safely? Let’s Talk.

🧰 4. You’re Not Just Paying for a Job — You’re Investing in Peace of Mind

Electrical work isn’t just about wires and switches — it’s about security, safety, and trust.

When you hire Knysna Electrical, you’re not only choosing a service — you’re investing in professionals who take pride in protecting what matters most: your home, your family, your future.

Here’s what sets us apart from a “man with a van” operation:

Qualified & Licensed Electricians — fully registered and legally authorized to issue Certificates of Compliance (CoCs)
SANS-Compliant Installations — we don’t just meet the code; we exceed it
Deep Local Knowledge — we understand Knysna’s humidity, storm surges, and coastal wear, and we build accordingly
Long-Term Reliability — our work lasts, and we’re here for support, maintenance, and advice down the line

We go beyond the basics.
We assess your needs, advise on the safest and most cost-effective solutions, protect your assets, and follow up to ensure everything stays running smoothly.

That’s what true accountability looks like — and it’s why more homeowners and businesses in the Garden Route choose Knysna Electrical again and again.