An Electrical Certificate of Compliance is a legal document issued by a registered electrical contractor. It confirms that the fixed electrical installation on a property was inspected and met SANS 10142-1 on the date of the inspection.
People often call it a COC. The full name is Electrical Certificate of Compliance. It is not a check of kettles, televisions or other plug-in appliances.
What the inspection covers
The contractor inspects the fixed installation. That includes the distribution board, earth leakage, wiring, sockets, lights, earthing, and the connections to fixed appliances such as the geyser and stove.
A certificate that passes means those parts met the standard on that day. It does not promise that nothing will change later.
When it is required
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Electrical Installation Regulations, a valid certificate is required in these situations:
Property transfer. A change of ownership generally cannot proceed without a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance. Conveyancers usually want one issued within the last two years.
New work or alterations. A new installation, a new distribution board, added circuits, or solar and inverter work needs a certificate for that work. If the house already has a valid certificate, the new work is often covered by a supplementary certificate. If there is no valid house certificate, the whole installation must be inspected.
Insurance. Many insurers ask for a valid certificate when a claim involves an electrical fault or fire. Without it, a claim can be refused.
Rental. The user or lessor of an electrical installation must keep a valid certificate. A tenant can ask for proof before signing a lease.
Why it matters
The certificate is there to reduce shock and fire risk from the fixed installation. It is also the document conveyancers, buyers and insurers ask for. An invalid or missing certificate can delay a transfer.
Who may issue it
Only a registered electrical contractor, registered with the Department of Employment and Labour, may issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance. Ask to see the registration. A certificate from an unregistered person is not valid.
Phallies inspects and issues Electrical Certificates of Compliance in Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand and Johannesburg. Bookings: Lindie on 082 854 4540.
