Add New Electrical Circuit Atlantic Seaboard | Dedicated Power Lines

About Adding New Circuits in Atlantic Seaboard

Adding a new dedicated circuit means running a separate cable from your DB board to a specific appliance or area, protected by its own circuit breaker. This is required whenever you install a high-draw appliance that would overload an existing shared circuit, or when electrical regulations mandate a separate circuit for safety. In South Africa, SANS 10142-1 requires dedicated circuits for stoves and ovens, geysers, air conditioning units, pool pumps, and any appliance drawing more than 16A.

In Atlantic Seaboard and the wider Western Cape, the most common reasons homeowners need new circuits include installing an air conditioning unit (which typically requires a dedicated 20A circuit with 4mm cable), adding a geyser or replacing one in a new location, setting up a home workshop with welders or power tools, installing an EV charger, connecting an inverter or battery backup system for load shedding, and extending power to a granny flat, home office, or outdoor building.

Each new circuit requires correctly sized cable for the expected load, a properly rated circuit breaker in the DB board, earth leakage protection (RCBO preferred), and correct cable routing that complies with SANS 10142-1 requirements for depth of chase, protection from mechanical damage, and separation from other services. Our electricians handle the entire process from DB board to final connection, ensuring everything is safe, compliant, and properly documented.

This is one of several specialist services we offer under db board & distribution in Atlantic Seaboard. As part of our Atlantic Seaboard electrical team, we bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job.

Adding New Circuits in Atlantic Seaboard - Abacas Solution

When to Call for Adding New Circuits

Call when you need to install a new appliance that requires its own circuit (AC, stove, geyser, EV charger), when you are extending your property and need power to a new area, when existing circuits are overloaded and tripping, or when you are setting up a workshop or home office that needs dedicated power.

Our Adding New Circuits Process

1

Requirements Discussion

We discuss what the new circuit is for, where it needs to go, and what appliance or equipment will be connected. This determines the cable size, breaker rating, and route planning.

2

Route Planning & Quote

We survey the cable route from the DB board to the new point, identify any obstacles (roof spaces, wall cavities, floor slabs), and provide a detailed quote covering materials and labour.

3

Cable Installation

We install the correctly sized cable along the planned route, chase into walls or run through conduit as appropriate. The cable is terminated at both the DB board and the new outlet or connection point.

4

DB Board Connection & Testing

A correctly rated MCB and RCBO are installed in the DB board. The new circuit is tested for insulation resistance, earth continuity, and correct polarity. The circuit is labelled and a CoC is issued.

Property owners in Atlantic Seaboard often combine adding new circuits with db board upgrade & replacement in Atlantic Seaboard and circuit breaker replacement. We handle everything, so you only need one call.

Safety & Compliance

New circuits must be correctly sized for the intended load - undersized cables overheat and cause fires. The cable size determines the maximum breaker rating, not the appliance. All new circuits must include earth leakage protection (RCBO preferred) and a correctly rated MCB. Cables must be installed at the correct depth in wall chases (minimum 25mm from the surface) and protected from mechanical damage. Only registered electricians may add circuits to an installation. A CoC is required after adding any new circuit.

Adding New Circuits Cost in Atlantic Seaboard

A new dedicated circuit costs R1,500-R5,000 depending on the cable length, cable size (2.5mm for lights/sockets, 4mm for AC units, 6mm for stoves), and the complexity of the cable route. Indoor circuits with short runs through accessible roof spaces are at the lower end. Longer runs, underground cable routes, or circuits requiring extensive chasing in plaster cost more. The breaker and RCBO add R500-R1,200 to the cost. If the DB board needs additional capacity (a board upgrade), this is quoted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a dedicated circuit for my air conditioner in Atlantic Seaboard?

Yes. Air conditioners draw significant starting and running current that will overload a shared circuit. SANS 10142-1 requires a dedicated circuit for each AC unit, typically a 20A circuit with 4mm cable and an RCBO at the DB board.

Can you run a new circuit to my granny flat or garden office in Atlantic Seaboard?

Yes. We install sub-feeds from your main DB board to outbuildings, either overhead or underground. For longer runs, we may recommend a sub-board in the outbuilding with its own circuit breakers and earth leakage protection.

How long does it take to add a new circuit?

A straightforward new circuit (accessible route, short run) typically takes 3-5 hours. More complex installations involving long cable runs, underground routing, or chasing through multiple rooms may take a full day.

Does my DB board have space for more circuits?

We check this during our assessment. Most residential DB boards have 12-24 ways (slots for breakers). If your board is full, we can either install a larger board or add a sub-board nearby. We factor this into the quote.

Can I add a circuit for an EV charger at my home in Atlantic Seaboard?

Yes. EV chargers typically require a dedicated 32A circuit with 6mm cable and a Type B RCBO (or Type A with DC fault detection depending on the charger). We install the circuit from the DB board to your parking area and can also install the charger unit itself.