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.
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 Fish Hoek
Fish Hoek sits in the low valley between the mountains and False Bay. Much of the housing was built over several decades, so it is common for a house to still have wiring, a board or a geyser that is well past its best. Near the beach, sea air is hard on taps, valves and electrical fittings. We have written about that for Simon's Town, and the same effects apply here.
Selling in Fish Hoek
If you are selling, an electrical certificate of compliance is required on transfer. An emergency repair is a good time to find out what else would fail. If you have a solar or inverter system, our guide on what the City requires applies in Fish Hoek too.
Electrical work around Fish Hoek
We cover Fish Hoek, Clovelly and Glencairn, Sun Valley, Capri and Ocean View, Kalk Bay and St James, Simon's Town, Noordhoek and Kommetjie, and the rest of the South Peninsula and Southern Suburbs. 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.
Common questions
Do you have an emergency electrician in Fish Hoek?
Yes. Our office is in Fish Hoek 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 Fish Hoek?
Yes. An electrical certificate of compliance is required when a property is transferred. We arrange plumbing, electrical, gas and beetle inspections together and give you a written report with photos.