As we enter 2026, compliance in South Africa's electrical sector remains paramount, driven by evolving standards that prioritise safety, sustainability, and innovation.
With the industry's growth fuelled by renewable energy adoption and infrastructure demands, adhering to regulations like SANS 10142 is essential to mitigate risks, ensure reliability, and avoid penalties. Non-compliance can lead to hazards, legal liabilities, and financial losses, underscoring the need for proactive adaptation amid global and local pressures.
SANS 10142, the Wiring of Premises standard, forms the backbone of electrical installations in South Africa. Edition 3.2, released in August 2024, introduces updates aligning with international norms, including enhanced requirements for renewable systems like solar PV and battery storage.
By March 2026, full adoption of the IEC 60364 series is anticipated, completing a phased integration that began earlier. This overhaul addresses modern challenges, such as smart technologies and embedded generation, ensuring installations are safe and efficient. Key changes include clearer guidelines for PV-to-grid synchronisation, surge protection, and energy storage systems, reflecting the surge in rooftop solar amid load-shedding concerns.
Compliance extends beyond SANS to bodies like the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), which combats uncertified imports flooding the market. These substandard products undermine safety and sector integrity, prompting calls for stricter enforcement. For homeowners and businesses, obtaining a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is mandatory for property transfers, insurance validity, and regulatory adherence.
In 2026, with regulatory reforms in infrastructure and energy, international contractors must navigate these standards to capitalise on opportunities.
The benefits are multifaceted: enhanced safety reduces accidents, while efficient designs lower energy costs and support net-zero goals. For professionals, staying updated bolsters reputation and competitiveness. Amid challenges like compliance inspections by the Department of Employment and Labour, tools like agreements between bodies such as the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa and the Institute of Plumbing South Africa promote best practices.
In essence, 2026 demands vigilance in South Africa's electrical landscape. Embracing SANS updates and broader compliance fosters a resilient, innovative industry, safeguarding lives and driving sustainable progress.
“MCE Electric is proud to be at the forefront of providing SANS- and NRCS-compliant electrical supplies in the industry. Conforming to these regulations and educating those within the industry, as well as the domestic sectors, is a top priority for MCE Electric, and we will strive to combat the influx of illegal importers and suppliers within the industry,” concludes a company spokesperson.
