Maintenance Electrician

Durban, South Africa
Maintenance Electrician
Company
Defy Appliances
Location
Durban
Posted
21 days ago
Via
LinkedIn
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Maintenance Electrician is responsible for the installation, inspection, fault-finding, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation. The role supports production by minimizing downtime, maintaining equipment integrity, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities:

Electrical Maintenance & Fault Finding
• Perform planned, preventative, and corrective electrical maintenance on plant, machinery, and auxiliary equipment.
• Diagnose and repair electrical faults on motors, MCCs, control panels, VSDs, PLC-controlled systems, and instrumentation.
• Respond promptly to breakdowns and emergency call-outs to minimize production losses.
• Conduct electrical inspections, testing, and commissioning of equipment.

Installation & Improvement
• Install new electrical equipment, wiring, and control systems in accordance with drawings, specifications, and regulations.
• Participate in plant upgrades, shutdowns, and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist with basic PLC fault diagnosis and interface troubleshooting (where applicable).

Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping
• Ensure all work complies with Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHS), electrical regulations, and company safety procedures.
• Perform Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO) and permit-to-work procedures.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping in all work areas.
• Report hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions.

Documentation & Communication
• Complete job cards, maintenance reports, and inspection records accurately and timeously.
• Communicate effectively with production teams, supervisors, and other maintenance disciplines.
• Provide technical input and feedback on recurring faults and equipment reliability issues.

Team Support
• Work collaboratively with mechanical, instrumentation, and automation teams.
• Assist with mentoring apprentices or junior electricians where required.
• Support shift operations, standby duties, and after-hours work as per operational requirements.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills Requirement:
• Trade Test Certificate: Electrician (Red Seal preferred).
• NQF Level 6 (N6) - Electrical qualification (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Maintenance Electrician in an industrial environment (manufacturing, mining, utilities, or similar).
• Proven experience in fault-finding on industrial electrical systems.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in using maintenance management software (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of electrical principles and systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency in electrical troubleshooting and motor testing and isolation.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, multimeters).
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.

Physical Requirements:
• Mobility: Ability to move around freely in a manufacturing or laboratory environment. This may involve walking, standing, bending, stooping, and kneeling for extended periods. Ability to navigate stairs and ladders (if required by the work environment).
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy objects (up to 30kg) occasionally. This may include tools, equipment, and components (like Motors). Ability to push or pull heavy objects with assistance (e.g., moving equipment on a dolly).
• Dexterity and Coordination: Excellent manual dexterity and fine motor skills for working with small parts, tools, and equipment. Good hand-eye coordination for tasks such as wiring, soldering, and assembling components.
• Vision: Good visual acuity, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This is essential for tasks such as reading schematics, inspecting equipment, and operating machinery.
• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand spoken instructions and warnings in a noisy environment. Ability to distinguish between different sounds to identify potential problems with equipment.

Please be advised if you haven’t been contacted within 30 days then your application is unsuccessful.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Electrician Jobs in South Africa

Q
What is the national minimum wage for electricians in South Africa in 2026?
The national minimum wage applicable to electricians is R31.75 per hour as of 1 March 2026, as gazetted by the Minister of Employment and Labour. This equates to a minimum of R5,780 per month for a standard 45-hour week over 173 working hours. Electricians covered by bargaining councils may have higher rates set by those agreements.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
Q
What visa do I need as a foreign electrician to work in South Africa in 2026?
Foreign electricians qualify for the Critical Skills Work Visa if listed under electrical occupations on the Critical Skills List, valid for up to 5 years with no labour market test required. Applications require a job offer, SAQA-verified qualifications, and proof of 3 years experience, processed within 20 working days at R1,520 fee. Spouses receive dependent visas with work rights.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Q
What qualifications and experience are required to become a certified electrician in South Africa?
A National N2 Certificate in Electrical Engineering plus 24 months practical experience and a passing trade test (Section 13) from an accredited Trade Test Centre are required for Red Seal certification. Holders must register as an Installation Electrician with the Department. Apprenticeships last 36 months minimum.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
Q
What are the standard working hours, leave, and benefits for electricians in South Africa?
Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, electricians work a maximum 45 ordinary hours per week, with overtime at 1.5 times the rate up to 10 hours/week. Employees get 21 consecutive days annual leave per year, 30 days sick leave over 36 months, and 2 weeks paid family responsibility leave. Employers contribute 1% to UIF and skills levy.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour