Understanding your daily power use patterns is a crucial step before investing in solar panels, inverters, or batteries. This process begins with creating a load profile, which is essentially a detailed record of how much electricity you use and when you use it throughout the day. Knowing your load profile helps ensure that your energy…
As South Africa faces rising electricity costs and frequent load-shedding, many homeowners are turning to solar power for a reliable, cost-effective energy solution. But how exactly does solar electricity travel from the sun to your home’s sockets? Understanding the key components and system types can help you make informed decisions about adopting solar energy. In…
South African households are all too familiar with the monthly shock of their electricity bill-and for many, the culprit is hiding in plain sight: the humble electric geyser. Research shows that geysers can account for a staggering 40-60% of a typical home’s monthly electricity usage, making them the single largest contributor to residential energy costs….
Your home’s electrical distribution board (DB) is the heart of your electrical system. It safely distributes electricity from the utility supply to every plug, light, and appliance. Here’s how it works, what each part does, and why regular safety checks matter. How Electricity Flows Through Your Home Simplified Home Distribution Board Diagram What Each DB…
As electricity prices continue to rise in South Africa, understanding how your electricity bill works isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or small business owner, decoding your electricity charges can lead to smarter energy habits and real savings. This post walks you through the basics of your bill, new 2025 tariff updates…
Electricity powers our homes, businesses, and industries, but truly understanding how it works starts with four essential concepts: volts, amps, watts, and power factor. This guide explains these basics and shows why power factor plays a critical role in electrical efficiency and cost management. What Is a Volt? A volt (V) measures the electrical potential…
Conclusion: Electrical Installation Laws: What You Need to Know to stay Compliant As we wrap up our three-part series on electrical compliance in South Africa, it’s clear: understanding the basics is just the start. From essential laws to real-world penalties, we’ve covered why compliance isn’t optional — it’s critical for safety, legal standing, and even…
Part 3: Staying Safe – A Real-World Guide to Electrical Compliance Introduction In the first two parts of this series, we unpacked the laws that govern South Africa’s electrical systems and the harsh realities of ignoring them. Now, let’s shift gears and focus on the bright side: the practical steps you can take to ensure…
Part 2: Playing with Fire: The Price of Non-Compliance Introduction In our first instalment, we walked through South Africa’s electrical safety laws – the rulebook designed to keep us all safe. Now, let’s talk about what happens when you decide those rules are more like suggestions. Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty. Installing non-approved electrical equipment…
Part 1: Shock Tactics: Understanding the Core Legal Framework Introduction Remember when you were a kid and got your first warning about sticking metal objects into power outlets? Well, South Africa’s electrical laws are like that parental warning – but with teeth. Electricity runs our lives, but it can also end them if we’re not…
