Guides · Emergencies
An electrical fault is different from a burst pipe: you often cannot see it, and the safe first step is usually to switch something off and stay away. This is what we would tell you on the phone if you are in Constantia.
The first ten minutes
- Burning smell, sparks, or a hot plug or switch: stop using it. If the area is dry and you can reach the main switch safely, switch off. If not, keep everyone away and call us.
- Water near plugs, lights or the board: do not stand in the water and do not touch anything. Close the water if you can do that safely, and call us.
- DB trips again straight after you reset it: leave that circuit off. Unplug what is on it and call us. Repeated resetting does not fix the cause.
- Part of the house has no power: check whether the neighbours also lost power before you assume it is your board.
What can wait
A single dead socket, a light that flickers on one circuit, or a switch that has stopped working can usually wait for the next working day. WhatsApp us a photo of the board with the cover open and tell us what stopped. It helps us arrive with the right parts.
Homes in Constantia
Constantia is a long valley on the east side of the Constantiaberg. Many of its properties are large, with a main house, sometimes a garden cottage, a studio or a converted garage, a pool and a long run of cable between the main board and everything else. That changes what goes wrong. A fault can sit in an outbuilding or on a pump circuit, far from the main board, and a trip in the main house can start there. On a larger property it is also common to find extra boards and circuits added over the years, sometimes by different people. Many properties here also use a borehole or wellpoint alongside the City supply, and the pump is electrical work too. Our guide to boreholes and water supply in Tokai and Constantia sets out the City's rules.
Inverters and solar in Constantia
We do inverter, battery and solar work. If you already have a system and the board trips, tell us on the phone, because the fault can be on either side of the inverter. We do not point to a list of past installations on this page. For what the City asks for when you fit or change a system, see our guide on inverter, battery and solar in Constantia and Bishopscourt.
Selling in Constantia
When a property is transferred, an electrical certificate of compliance is required by law. It must not be older than two years at the time of transfer, the installation must not have been altered since, and only a registered electrical contractor may issue it. On a larger property the cottage, studio or converted garage is part of the installation, so it is checked as well. An emergency repair is a good time to find out what else would fail. Our guide to electrical certificates in Constantia, Tokai and Bergvliet covers what is inspected.
Electrical work around Constantia
We work in Constantia, Bishopscourt, Tokai, Bergvliet, Meadowridge, Claremont and Newlands, and across the Southern Suburbs and South Peninsula. Our office is in Fish Hoek. For anything that isn't an emergency, WhatsApp us on 074 490 3100 or email enquiries@lightningfast.co.za. Office hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:30 and Saturday 08:00 to 13:00. If water is the problem rather than power, see our page for a plumber in Constantia.
Common questions
Do you have an emergency electrician in Constantia?
Yes. We work in Constantia and across the Southern Suburbs, and we take electrical emergencies day and night on 074 490 3100. Emergencies carry no after-hours charge. On the phone we tell you how soon someone can be with you.
Why does my DB keep tripping?
A trip is the board protecting you from a fault, an overload or a leak to earth. If one circuit trips again as soon as you reset it, leave it off and have it checked. Resetting it repeatedly does not fix the cause.
What should I do if there is a burning smell from a plug or the DB?
Switch off at the main switch only if you can reach it safely and the area is dry, keep everyone away from it, and call us. Do not keep using the circuit.
Do I need an electrical certificate to sell in Constantia?
Yes. An electrical certificate of compliance is required by law when a property is transferred, and a registered electrical contractor must issue it. We arrange plumbing, electrical, gas and beetle inspections together and give you a written report with photos.