Getting shocked by your taps or shower? What City Power says to do

If your taps, shower or bath give you a shock, stop using them, keep children away from metal fittings and log an urgent fault with City Power. Do not try to fix it yourself or call in someone who is not authorised to work on City Power's network, the utility has warned (Randburg Sun).

The warning matters this week because City Power switched off a street in Sandringham, Johannesburg, on Thursday 29 October after weeks of voltage spikes and electric shocks in people's homes (The Citizen).

What happened in Sandringham?

Residents of George Avenue told The Citizen they were shocked in showers, bathtubs and at kitchen sinks, and some started washing in plastic tubs. One resident of 24 years said she was shocked three times, the first on 9 October.

Her household's own readings climbed from between 160 and 235 volts in late August to 296 volts by 13 October.

City Power said a line inspection found a deteriorated overhead conductor. It cut power to the affected homes "until the repairs have been completed" and all checks confirm it is safe. About 300 metres of replacement cable is on order and may take roughly a week to arrive (The Citizen).

Ward councillor Daniel Schay said residents first raised the problem with him on 7 October and that the first detailed update from City Power came only on 29 October (The Citizen).

Why do taps and showers give electric shocks?

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena has said shocks from taps and other water fittings usually come from faults in the earthing system, such as a broken earth connection or a problem with the neutral conductor. That lets stray voltage reach metal parts like taps, pipes and burglar bars (Randburg Sun).

He named cable theft, vandalism and tampering with City Power equipment as the most common causes, along with poor internal wiring or water pipes that are not bonded to the earth system. Faulty overhead lines have caused the same problem before, in Bordeaux South in 2024 (Randburg Sun).

Warning signs residents in these cases described include flickering lights, the earth leakage tripping over and over, and appliances that fail or behave oddly (The Citizen).

What should you do if you get shocked at home?

City Power's advice, as reported by Randburg Sun and Fourways Review:

• Stop using the tap, shower or appliance that shocked you.
• Do not touch metal fittings with wet hands or bare feet, and keep children away.
• Log an urgent fault with City Power and ask for a reference number.
• Only let in technicians with a valid City Power ID card showing a photo, name, company and expiry date.
• Have your internal wiring checked by a qualified electrician.

If someone has been hurt by a shock, get medical help.

How do you report it to City Power?

Have your account number ready if you have a conventional meter, or your meter number if you are on prepaid, plus your address and phone number (Fourways Review).

Sources: Fourways Review, Fourways Review contact list, City Power portal.

City Power says its target is to restore 98% of affected customers within 24 hours and everyone within seven days, but complex faults can take longer (The Citizen).

Can you claim for appliances damaged by a power surge?

Yes, you can apply. City Power told The Citizen residents can submit a public liability insurance claim with:

• the completed claim form
• your latest rates statement
• a copy of your ID
• the call centre reference number for the fault
• details of what happened
• proof of your losses, including repair quotes for damaged appliances

The form is on the City Power website, or call 011 490 7484 or 0800 202 925. Each claim is assessed on its merits and lodging one does not guarantee payment, City Power said (The Citizen).

That is why the reference number matters: log the fault as soon as it happens, even if a neighbour already has.