- Electricians often request information on how to obtain a Wireman’s License as well as information on the unit standards involved in the process.
- Leading supplier of electrical training and development competencies to industries P&T Technology MD Nick Du Plessis explains the difference between an unlicensed electrician and an electrician with a Wireman’s License.
“An electrician with a license, known as the Registered Person, has applied to the Department of Labour (DoL) and has demonstrated his knowledge, skills and ability to conduct verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of the electrical installations for which they have been registered. The Registered Person is permitted to issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), which proves that the electrical installation is compliant.”
There are three categories of registered people who are permitted to issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
- Electrical Tester for Single Phase: This is an electrician who has been registered as an electrical tester for single phase in terms of regulation 11 (2) for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of electrical installations supplied by a single-phase electricity supply at the point of control, excluding specialised electrical installations.
- Installation Electrician: This is an electrician who has been registered as an installation electrician in terms of regulation 11 (2) for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of any electrical installation, excluding specialised electrical installations.
- Master Installation Electrician: This is an electrician who has been registered as a master installation electrician in terms of regulation 11 (2) for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and inspection of any electrical installation.
For each of the registration types, there are three options – practical knowledge, theoretical knowledge and knowledge of statutory requirements – and each contains criteria or conditions that the applicant has to fulfil before applying for registration.
“One criteria for a person applying for registration as an installation electrician is that they must have a trade qualification as either an electrician; an electrician (engineering); an electrician (construction); a millwright (electro-mechanical); a lift mechanic; or the Electric: Chemical Electrical NQF level 4 qualification issued by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA).” He stresses that the individual would not be accepted if they were to have any other trade.
The next step is to submit documentary proof of successful completed ‘unit standards’ on inspection, testing and certification of three phase industrial/commercial installations as prescribed by the ESETA.
These ‘unit standards’ mean that an assessor, registered with the Energy Sector Training Authority ESETA, must assess the applicant to establish that they have the ability to interpret the codes of practice in various electrical installations. The applicant would also have to use test instruments and inspection reports to show the assessor that they know how to use the test instruments and interpret the readings. The applicant would also have to correctly evaluate a CoC against an electrical installation.
Once the assessor has found the applicant to be competent, the details are sent to the ESETA, who will then issue the applicant with a letter for the DoL.
“The minimum theoretical qualifications needed by a person applying for registration as an installation electrician is an N3 certificate issued by the Department of Education, with minimum pass of 40% in each of the following subjects: mathematics, engineering science, and electrical trade theory or Electro-technology. Also acceptable is a Grade 12 certificate with a minimum pass of 40% in mathematics, science, and Technica – electr4ixcal or an equivalent subject that may include an N3 subject.” explains du Plessis.
Finally, the applicant will have to submit proof of knowledge of the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable to electrical installations by having passed the subject, Installation Rules, as administered by the Department of Education through an FET campus or college.
Du Plessis explains that there are two examinations for this subject and the applicant must have a minimum of 50% for each paper. Although both papers do not have to be written at the same time, the second paper must be passed within 12 months of passing the first. However, if the applicant obtained more than 75% of 100 marks in any one of the examinations, he or she will be permanently exempted from rewriting that examination.
He finally emphasises that having a Wireman’s License (Registration) means that the electrician carries a great deal of responsibility and should he/she issue a Certificate of Compliance but have not done what is expected of them by law, the Department of Labour will prosecute them.
Form Downloads:
Application for registration as a Registered Person
Application for Approval as Approved Inspection Authority for Electrical Installations
Application for Duplicate Certificate Issued in Terms of the Electrical Installation Regulations.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
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59 Comments
Hi
Can you please send me the Wire mans registration forms on the following e-mail address.
I intend applying had been working as an electrician and will be writing some courses soon.
I’m an electrical contractor i start in the manufacturing field in 1the early 1990s i know all the corners in the electrical field.
I started my own business in 1995,in panel wiring and spreading the business to move over Construction. Installation where I’ve done very good as well.The only thing outstanding is my wiremans licence,cause my job loads is really starting to increase,how can you assist me in this regard
I need an opportunity to volunteer in your company just to get used of the industry? For now I’m still at school doing electrical infrastructure… Level 3
I had a single phase wiremans licence, unfortunately l was robbed with all my important documents, how do l get the new one? I am a qualified electrician.
I have been working for 17 years under defferent construction attending many electrical courses at powerpro training facility but with me I don’t have any certificate what should I do I need coc and wiremans license I’m 42 years of age were do I start
To be aligible to do wiremans license you need to have electrician or millwright trade with 2 years post trade or an electrical ND to skip the trade test part. You need to pass installation rules p1 and p2 and then you need to pass unit standards training.TDMI is an excellent choice for this. https://www.tdmi.co.za
I had a single phase wiremans licence, unfortunately l was robbed with all my important documents, how do l get the new one?
You may contact me. I am a registered person to issue coc’s
0823045518
Freddy van der Bank
I’m a Trade Tested Electrician, and seeking to secure myself a wireman’s licence but I don’t know where to go and study for it… Please share some pointers, and where can I go to do the whole process?
Thanks for reaching out Sylvester, the best is to contact the nearest wiremans training centre near you. Do a simple google search. They will be able to advise you on the best route to get your wiremans lisence. Go for it, its a great qualification to have.
Hi can you please send me the application form for wiremans licence to this email address (abongilechitheli@gmail.com)
Please find application form downloads at end of article. Good luck,
Send me an application form for wiresman’s
Please send the wireman’s licence application form . Thank you Ellis Joshua
Our closest department of labour has no idea what to do with our application.
What would you recommend we do?
I am a qualified Millwright (Red Seal certificate). I would like to study for my Wireman’s licence. Can I study via Internet, what do I need and how do I go about it? I am using my mom’s email.
Thank you kindly
Richard
Morning i am confused If i do single phase do i have to write paper 1 and 2?
Hi there can you please send me the papers that I need the wiremans I have been electrician for 15 years
Hi Wayne, scroll down the article and you will come across three links to the application forms:
Application for registration as a Registered Person
Application for Approval as Approved Inspection Authority for Electrical Installations
Application for Duplicate Certificate Issued in Terms of the Electrical Installation Regulations.
Greetings. Can you please help me out. I’ve done my Unit standards, filled those forms, paid the money & posted via registered mail to the Department of labour in February of 2020 but up to now I have not received any response even just the acknowledgement that my papers have been received. I got contact details including an email address but no response.
I have a Wiremans licence but it was issued many years ago and I want to apply for an updated one. I have completed forms, got photos, paid R120 etc but local dept of labour can’t assist. What address do I send these documents to?
Can you help me. What is an accreditation certificate from accreditation authority?
If i am the owner of the comepny and sole owner, by whome must i get that accreditation from?
Hi Dudley, you need to apply for accreditation in your own name. Go back to article and scroll down to the link for Application for registration as a Registered Person.
Good day
I am looking for a price for the following
Price on wiremans course and also on the hvac and chillers and
I want to do my single phase Wireman’s licence what do I need to go for my licence I have a red seal certificate
Hi, I have a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering from TUT, do I qualify for Wireman’s licence?
Yes you do, but you must go through the application process and write the exam. Good luck.
For someone who’s got N6 is it possible to apply
Yes and good luck!
I have a N3 certificate in (light current) and a Trade test as a (instrument mechanician) but from N4 to N6 I did (heavy current) am I still eligible to do a wireman’s licenses?
Hi Metilo
To be aligible to do wiremans license you need to have electrician or millwright trade with 2 years post trade or an electrical ND to skip the trade test part. You need to pass installation rules p1 and p2 and then you need to pass unit standards training.TDMI is an excellent choice for this. https://www.tdmi.co.za
Good luck!
My future son in law has worked as an electrician for a company for 8 yrs. The boss keeps saying that he will pay for his Trade Test but never does anything about it. Where to from here? How much does it cost to do the wireman’s license on line?
Hi,
I want to do a wiremans licence, need to know how do I go about doing it, how long it takes and what’s needed for my end. I have a trade test(red seal) electrical, completed my N2 electrical engineering HC and N3(one subject to complete) and N4(two subjects to complete). Please assist me as I need the information ASAP.
Hi Sifiso, please read the article and follow the links to the registration forms. Good Luck,
Grettings.
I’m looking for an accredited Centre in Pretoria that offer wireman’s licence.
Hi may you please send me application for for wireman licence
Hi David, the application forms can be downloaded from the article. Scroll down and click on the listed application documents. Good luck.
Greetings when same one apply for wiremans license how long it takes to be issued from DoL
Good day I want to write my P1&P2 but not sure which editions book to buy according the sans please inform me thx.
Hi I don’t have a matric but I’m interested in home electrical instalation, how can I start to become a qualified or registered installer
Hi I trade tested under special class electrician 672107.
Can I get a Wiremans certificate
Downloads:
Your links for the downloads
Do Not Work!
Hi Rowan, sorry you are having trouble with the links provided. We have tested them and they do work. Please cache your computer, clear browsing history and try again.
Where can I report and check if an electrician is registered.
Hi Martin, contact the electrical conformance board of SA: https://ecb.org.za
A qualified electrician should have an ECB number plus DOL number/DOL Registration Certificate to issue a COC certificate.
Hi I have NQF LEVEL 4 ELECTRICAL accredited by Chieta ,can enroll for a wireman’s licence with just the level 4?
Hi Milan, I believe you can but to make sure, contact the nearest training centre near you to find out what is the best route for you. Good luck!
Hi. I am a qualified red seal Millwright for 2 years with N3 electrical heavy current. Do I still beed to do a unit standard coarse.
We believe you can but to make sure, contact the nearest training centre near you to find out what is the best route for you. Good luck!
Hi .I have N6 diploma in electrcal engineering studies and just passed my electrical trade test. Now is writing installation rules p1&p2 the only route? Please advise.
Thanks.
Thanks for reaching out, we advise you to contact the nearest wiremans training centre near you. Do a simple google search. They will be able to advise you on the best route for you depending o what specific area you want to work in. Go for it, its a great industry to work in.
Hi I ‘m one of the electrician who is looking to be recognized as registered electrician but I have shortage of wireman license please send me application forms on this email address (mpumimbobo@gmail.com)
Hai i have National Diploma in Electrical engineering Heavy Current obtained at University of Technology and i have passed P1 and P2 installation rules, which route to take in order to obtain COC. remember i don’t have trade test….you can also reply via my e-mail; sfundo.makhanya448@gmail.com
To be aligible to do wiremans license you need to have electrician or millwright trade with 2 years post trade or an electrical ND to skip the trade test part. You need to pass installation rules p1 and p2 and then you need to pass unit standards training.TDMI is an excellent choice for this. https://www.tdmi.co.za
I have N6 electrical engineering. I would like to be assisted by application forms for Trade certificate.
Your assistance will be highly appreciated.
Hi, I am looking to go fir training and get certified for wiremans license and continue further.
Where can I go for hands on training and lectures if possible write the test/ exam and get certified
Hi. I did Electrical Skills Level 1 – Level 3 at Waterburg FET College Lebowakgomo Campus in the year 2007 so can i apply wireman licence?
Our best advice is to talk to your local training centre that offers a wiremans license course. Good luck and all the best.