Certificate of Compliance FAQs
Here are some important tips to remember when applying for a certificate of compliance
How long is an electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) valid for?
The electrical installation regulations state that a Certificate of Compliance is valid for two years for purposes of transfer. Regulation 7(5) states: Subject to the provisions of section 10(4) of the Act, the user or lessor may not allow a change of ownership if the certificate of compliance is older than two years. A CoC is valid for the lifetime of an installation but excludes maintenance items, and if any alterations have been done to the electrical installation, the owner/lessor must obtain a supplementary CoC according to clause 7(4), which states: Where any addition or alteration has been effected to an electrical installation for which a certificate of compliance was previously issued, the user or lessor of such electrical installation shall obtain a certificate of compliance for at least the addition or alteration.
Who can issue a Certificate of Compliance?
Only a Registered Electrical Contractor may issue a CoC after he/she has inspected and tested the electrical installation and found it to be reasonably safe. If any fault or defect is detected in any part of the electrical installation, the Registered Person must refuse to issue a CoC until that fault or defect has been rectified. Any CoC that has been fraudulently issued by an unregistered electrician is illegal and invalid and could endanger the lives of people and pets and damage or destroy property.
How long does it take for an electrical contractor to inspect and test a property in order to issue a CoC?
This can take anything between two and three hours. Be wary if an ‘‘electrical contractor’’ issues a CoC in 30 minutes. Be very suspicious of street pole advertising that offers CoCs for R700 or less. Remember, you get what you pay for! Depending on the location and size of an installation, a legal CoC would cost between R1 500 to R3 000 or more. It’s worth it!
Do I need a CoC when I do alterations to the electrical work on my property?
Yes. A CoC must be issued when any alterations are done to an electrical installation.
How do I know if an electrical contractor is registered?
If the electrical contractor is an ECA member, he/she is certainly registered because it is a condition of membership. Take note of the registration number to verify the contractor.
