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Expert TV Installation and Wall Mounting in South Africa
The thrill of unboxing a new TV is unmatched. Its sleek design and promise of an immersive viewing experience can instantly upgrade a living room. But before you get to enjoy that perfect picture, you need to decide how to display it. For many South African homes, wall-mounting is the ideal solution, providing a clean, modern look while saving valuable space. A professional TV installation by a qualified electrician or home theatre specialist in South Africa typically R600 and R1,200 for a basic job on a standard brick wall. For larger screens, complex wall types, or in-wall cable concealment, you can expect to pay between R1,500 and R3,000. A standard installation generally takes 1 to 2 hours.
However, a proper installation is far more complex than just drilling a few holes. Our Kandua pros, who have handled countless jobs across the country, often share stories of the problems they fix - from expensive TVs precariously mounted to walls that can’t support the weight, to a dangerous mess of tangled cables. They've seen everything, and they know that a successful job requires a deep understanding of structural integrity, electrical safety, and optimal viewing. This guide, filled with insights from professionals, will explain what a proper TV installation entails, the risks of a DIY job, and how to ensure your new TV is a safe and lasting centrepiece of your home.
The Professional TV Installation Process
When you hire a professional electrician or installer, you're not just getting a handyman. You're getting an expert who follows a meticulous process to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Here's a look at what they do.
1. A Thorough Wall Assessment
The first and most critical step is to assess the wall type. An experienced installer will immediately determine if your wall is brick, concrete, drywall with wooden studs, or something more challenging like a cavity wall or stone cladding. They know that each material requires a specific approach and the right fasteners. “A common issue we see is someone trying to mount a heavy TV on drywall with the wrong anchors,” says Jabu, a certified Kandua electrician in Johannesburg. “They can easily pull out and cause a disaster. We use a stud finder and our experience to locate the strongest points to anchor the mount.”
The type of TV mount used is crucial. Professionals can advise on the best option for your needs:
- Fixed Mounts: Ideal for a super-clean, flush-to-the-wall look where you don't need to adjust the angle.
- Tilting Mounts: Useful for reducing glare from windows or lights, especially if the TV is mounted a bit higher.
- Full-Motion Mounts: Offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to pull the TV out and swivel it for different viewing angles, perfect for open-plan living.
The installer will ensure the mount is VESA compatible with your TV and can support its weight, then secure it with the correct bolts and anchors for your wall type. They will use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly straight, because even a slight tilt can be a big distraction.
3. Meticulous Cable Management
A beautifully mounted TV can be completely ruined by a messy web of dangling cables. This is where professional expertise truly shines. They can provide several solutions to hide your cables safely and neatly:
- In-Wall Cable Concealment: For the ultimate clean, wireless look, a professional can route cables inside the wall. This is a job best left to experts, especially if it involves electrical wiring, which must comply with SANS 10142-1 regulations for fire safety. Simply running a standard power cord through the wall is a major safety risk.
- External Trunking: A popular and more affordable option is to use plastic trunking that runs along the wall, concealing all the wires. This looks neat and prevents tripping hazards.
- Installation of New Power Outlets: Instead of relying on a jumble of extension cords, a qualified electrician can install a new, dedicated power outlet directly behind the TV, providing a safe and reliable power source.
The Value of Getting a Professional Electrician
Trying to mount a TV yourself can seem like a great way to save money, but the risks often far outweigh the potential savings. The value of hiring a professional is about more than just convenience.
- Protecting Your Investment: The most significant risk of a DIY installation is a costly one: a broken TV. Dropping a large, heavy television during the lifting process or having it fall off the wall due to improper anchoring can shatter the screen, leaving you with a very expensive piece of junk. A professional has the right tools and experience to prevent this.
- Ensuring Safety: A TV mount that fails can cause serious injury to a person or pet. Improperly routed or overloaded electrical wires pose a significant fire hazard. An expert understands the structural and electrical safety standards required to protect your home and your family.
- A Flawless Finish: Professional installers are meticulous. They will ensure the TV is mounted at the perfect height, level, and position for optimal viewing. They will also handle all the cable management, leaving you with a tidy, professional-looking setup that truly enhances your space.
- The Right Tools for the Job: You won’t have to worry about buying or borrowing a stud finder, a hammer drill, or a full range of different fasteners. The professional arrives with everything they need to get the job done right, regardless of your wall type.
What Our Experts Have Learned
Our professionals have seen first-hand why a DIY approach can go wrong. We heard from a seasoned installer in Pretoria who was called to a home where a new TV was mounted above a fireplace on a beautiful stone-clad wall. The owner had struggled for hours and had managed to crack a few of the stones, but the mount was still wobbly. The pro explained that mounting on a tricky surface like stone or tile requires a special drill bit and a very specific anchoring technique to avoid cracking the material. He was able to fix the issue, but it was a perfect example of how a seemingly simple task can quickly become a complicated and costly one without the right expertise.
Jabu from Johannesburg told us about a client in Johannesburg who had run the TV’s power cord inside the wall for a clean look, but the cord was pinched and had started to fray. This created a serious fire hazard that directly violates SANS 10142-1 regulations. Jabu ad to carefully open the wall, remove the cord, and install a proper, SANS-compliant recessed outlet, showing why any electrical work, no matter how small, should be handled by a qualified expert.
Checklist: Before Your Installer Arrives
To ensure a smooth and quick installation, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Confirm Compatibility: Double-check that your TV mount is VESA compatible with your TV model and that it's rated to hold your TV's weight.
- Clear the Area: Remove any furniture, decorations, or obstacles from the wall where the TV will be mounted. This gives the installer a safe space to work.
- Gather Your Devices: Have all the devices you plan to connect ready. This includes your DStv decoder, soundbar, gaming consoles, and any other media players.
- Decide on the Height: Know roughly how high you want the TV. Your installer will give you an expert recommendation, but having a starting point is helpful.
- Plan Your Power: Make sure a power outlet is nearby. If not, discuss installing a new one with your electrician beforehand.
After-Service Care
Once your TV is professionally installed, a little care and attention will ensure it lasts for years.
- Cleaning Your Screen: Use a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth to wipe away dust and fingerprints. Never spray cleaning solutions directly onto the screen. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water. Avoid harsh chemicals like window cleaner or acetone, as these can damage the screen's protective coating.
- Managing Your Cables: Even with professional concealment, new devices might add to the cable clutter. Use cable ties or reusable Velcro straps to keep wires bundled and tidy.
- Protecting Against Power Surges: South Africa is known for its thunderstorms and load shedding, which can cause power surges. Always plug your TV and other electronics into a high-quality surge protector. For added peace of mind during a severe storm, it's best to unplug the TV entirely.
- Maintaining Ventilation: Make sure nothing is blocking the vents on the back or sides of your TV. Proper airflow is crucial to prevent overheating, which can shorten the lifespan of your television.
Customer Stories and Results
The Hammond family in Durbanville, Cape Town, recently had a new TV mounted by a pro. The parents were most concerned about safety, as their two young children were very active. The installer not only mounted the large TV securely on the wall, but also advised them to use a full-motion mount so they could pull the TV out and angle it slightly away from the window, which was causing glare. “The peace of mind is priceless,” Mrs Hammond told us. “And the clean, cable-free look is fantastic.”
In Centurion, a homeowner, Mark, wanted a full home theatre setup, complete with a TV, soundbar, and multiple speakers. Instead of a messy DIY job, they hired an electrician to handle everything. The pro not only mounted the TV and soundbar but also ran all the necessary speaker wires through the wall for a truly professional, integrated look. Mark admits he almost tried it himself but is glad he didn’t. “The pro finished in three hours what would have taken me a full weekend. The final result is flawless, something I could never have achieved.”
Why You Can Trust Us to Get It Right
At Kandua, getting your home projects done is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Tell us what you need – Or let our smart AI Home Companion help diagnose your problem if you’re not sure where to start.
- Get answers as you go – While posting your job, you can ask our smart AI home companion anything, from understanding typical costs, to how the process works, to how long it might take. Ask questions whenever they pop up, and get clear, helpful answers instantly. FInd out more about our TV mounting installation costs.
- We match you with the best – All our pros are 100% vetted: ID-verified, criminal background checked, certification verified, and maintaining at least a 4.5-star rating. You don’t have to worry about picking the right person, we make sure the pro we send has the right skills and certification to get your job done right.
With us, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands from the first click to the final handshake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How high should I mount my TV?
The centre of the screen should be at eye level when you’re seated. This is typically about 100-110 cm from the floor. Your installer will help you find the perfect spot for your room and couch height.
2. What’s the difference between a fixed, tilting, and full-motion mount?
A fixed mount holds the TV flat and flush against the wall with no adjustability. A tilting mount allows you to tilt the TV up or down to reduce glare. A full-motion mount is the most flexible, allowing you to tilt, swivel, and extend the TV away from the wall.
3. Do I need an electrician to install a TV?
It depends on the wiring. For a simple mount, a skilled handyman is fine. However, you must hire a qualified electrician if you need a new power outlet installed or want cables run inside the wall to comply with South Africa's SANS safety regulations.
4. How do I know if my wall can support my TV?
Solid brick and concrete walls are best, but drywall needs support. If you have drywall (common in newer estates), the mount must anchor directly to the wooden studs inside. A professional can easily identify your wall type and use the correct fasteners to ensure a secure fit.
5. How much does professional TV installation typically cost in South Africa?
Costs range from R600 to over R2,000. A basic installation on a brick wall for a medium-sized TV is on the lower end. Complex jobs involving large TVs, tricky walls like stone cladding, or in-wall cable concealment will be on the higher end.
6. How long does a typical TV installation take?
Most jobs take 1-2 hours. A standard installation is quite quick for a pro. If it involves complex in-wall wiring, installing a new power point, or mounting on a very difficult surface, it could take 3 to 4 hours.
7. Can a soundbar be mounted on the wall with my TV?
Yes, this is a very common request. Many soundbars come with their own mounting hardware, or a professional can use a bracket that attaches the soundbar to the TV's mount for a clean, integrated setup.
8. What should I do before the installer arrives?
Clear the area and have your equipment ready. Make sure the space around the wall is clear of furniture. Have the TV, mount, and any devices you want to connect (like a decoder or console) available for the installer.
9. Can you mount a TV above a fireplace?
Yes, but it's often more complex and costs more. The heat from the fireplace can potentially damage the TV over time, and the wall surface is often more difficult to work with (e.g., stone or tile). An installer will advise on the best way to do this safely.
10. How do I hide the cables after mounting my TV?
There are several options. You can use plastic trunking that runs along the wall and can be painted to match. For a completely hidden look, a professional can route the cables inside the wall cavity, which is the most aesthetically pleasing but more involved option.
Electricians in South Africa: what to know before you book
Electrical issues have a way of starting small… and turning serious fast. A plug that “sometimes trips” can become a melted socket. Flickering lights can point to loose connections. And if your earth leakage keeps going off, it’s often your home telling you something isn’t right.
Kandua helps you get it sorted by matching you with a vetted electrician for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, upgrade, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good electrician?
Pick someone who explains the cause (not just the symptom), tests before they replace parts, prices transparently, and can issue the right compliance paperwork when it’s required.
Do I need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in South Africa?
Often, yes — especially for property transfer and for any additions/alterations to an installation. The Department of Employment and Labour has also warned against “paper CoCs” issued without proper testing, and urges homeowners to use legally registered electrical contractors.
What should electrical work cost?
Most electricians charge a call-out fee + labour + materials, with higher rates for after-hours, complex fault finding, DB work, or urgent callouts. (There’s a pricing guide further down.)
What should I do first in an electrical emergency?
If it’s safe, switch off power at the main breaker, keep people away from the affected area (especially if there’s water), and call an electrician. If there’s smoke/fire risk, treat it as an emergency immediately.
Common electrical problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like an electrician — but it helps to know what the usual “signals” point to.
“My plugs keep tripping / the power keeps going off”
Often caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a loose connection, or a problem at the DB (distribution board). If it’s frequent, don’t just keep resetting — you want proper testing to prevent heat build-up and damage.
“My earth leakage trips randomly (especially at night or when it rains)”
This can indicate moisture ingress, a faulty appliance, deteriorating insulation, outdoor circuits taking on water, or an earthing/bonding issue. It’s common — and it’s exactly the sort of thing that needs systematic fault finding.
“My lights flicker / dim when I use appliances”
Sometimes it’s a supply issue — but it can also point to loose connections, voltage drop, an overloaded circuit, or a stressed neutral. If you’re noticing it across multiple rooms, get it checked.
“I smell burning / a plug is warm / there’s buzzing at the DB”
Treat this as urgent. Heat + electrics is how small problems become big ones. Switch off the circuit (or main breaker if you’re unsure) and book an electrician.
“I get a small shock/tingle from taps or appliances”
That can be an earthing/bonding fault and should be investigated quickly — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere near water.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can be fine for low-risk, non-electrical basics (like replacing a light bulb, resetting a tripped breaker once, or unplugging an appliance to test if it’s the cause).
Call an electrician when:
- a socket/switch is hot, crackling, discoloured, or smells burnt
- breakers/earth leakage keep tripping
- you suspect faulty wiring, water exposure, or a hidden issue
- you’re touching the DB, adding circuits, or upgrading capacity
- you’re installing high-load appliances (oven, hob, geyser, heat pump) or adding dedicated circuits
- you’re adding solar/inverter equipment or changing the installation layout
- you may need a CoC for compliance, insurance, or sale/transfer
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part people usually discover too late. Here’s the simple version.
1) Electrical CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A CoC is a legal document confirming an electrical installation has been inspected and tested and is compliant. It’s commonly required before property sale/transfer, and it’s also required when electrical work involves additions or alterations.
Also important: the Department of Employment and Labour explicitly warns that a registered contractor may only issue a CoC after proper inspection/testing, and may not issue on behalf of an unregistered person.
2) “Registered person” (who is actually allowed to certify)
In practice, certification is tied to being a properly registered/authorised person (often referred to as a wireman’s licence / registered person in the industry). If you need a CoC, ask upfront:
“Are you legally registered to inspect, test, and issue the CoC for this work?”
3) CoC validity (the part everyone argues about)
A useful way to think about it:
- For transfer purposes, the regulations are commonly applied as “not older than 2 years”.
- For day-to-day living, it remains relevant until changes are made — if you alter/add to the installation, you’ll typically need a supplementary CoC for that work.
4) Solar / inverter / PV additions (very common now)
If you’re adding solar PV or inverter equipment, treat it as a compliance-sensitive electrical project. Industry guidance stresses that PV work should be under the supervision of properly qualified electrical persons, and the City of Cape Town’s guidance notes you should request the original electrical CoC from the registered installation electrician.
Pricing: what to budget for an electrician in South Africa
Pricing varies by city, travel distance, urgency, and complexity — but most homeowners will see a familiar structure:
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist testing / fault finding time (often where the real value is)
Typical ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Labour: roughly R350 – R700/hour for many standard jobs (average often around the mid-range), with higher rates for specialised work.
- Emergency call-out: often around R600 – R900 (and may or may not include the first hour — always ask).
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even when it sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus parts. If you have a few small fixes, bundling them into one visit often saves money.
10 Genuinely helpful electrician FAQ's
- What’s the difference between “the power tripped” and “earth leakage tripped”?
A normal breaker trip usually points to overload or a circuit fault. Earth leakage trips when it detects current leaking to earth (often moisture, insulation breakdown, or a faulty appliance). If earth leakage trips repeatedly, it needs proper fault finding. - How do I figure out if it’s my appliance or the house wiring?
A safe starting point is to unplug high-load appliances and see if the trip stops — but if trips continue (or you see heat/burning smells), stop testing and get an electrician. The correct method is measured testing, not guesswork. - Why does my plug socket feel warm?
Warmth can mean a loose connection, overload, poor contact, or damaged wiring — all of which can create heat and become dangerous. Book it in sooner rather than later. - My lights flicker when I use the kettle/microwave — is that normal?
Occasional minor dimming can happen, but persistent flickering/dimming can signal voltage drop, loose connections, overloaded circuits, or neutral issues. If it’s happening across rooms, get it checked. - Do I need a dedicated circuit for an oven/hob/geyser/heat pump?
Very often, yes — these are high-load items and are safer (and usually more reliable) with correct isolation and wiring sized for the load. An electrician should assess and advise based on your DB capacity. - What’s involved in a DB (distribution board) upgrade?
Typically: inspection of existing circuits, correcting unsafe/incorrect connections, adding/replacing breakers, ensuring earthing and bonding are correct, labelling circuits, and testing. DB work should be done carefully and properly documented. - Do I need a new CoC after renovations?
If the renovation involved electrical additions/alterations (new circuits, moved points, new DB work, solar/inverter additions), you’ll usually need a supplementary CoC for that work. - How long does a CoC take to issue?
It depends on how many defects are found. A proper CoC requires inspection and testing — if repairs are needed, it may take longer. Be wary of instant “paper CoCs” with no testing. - Does an electrical CoC cover everything in the house?
A CoC generally relates to the electrical installation and its safety/compliance (distribution, wiring, earthing, bonding, etc.). If you have specialised systems (like solar PV or an electric fence), ask what additional documentation is required for those. - What should I ask an electrician before they start?
Three questions cover most issues:
- “What do you think is the likely cause, and how will you test it?”
- “Is this priced as call-out + hourly + materials, and what counts as after-hours?”
- “Will this work require a CoC or supplementary CoC — and are you registered to issue it?”
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