An Electrical Certificate of Compliance (ECOC) or electrical coc is a legal document that verifies an electrical installation is compliant on the date of inspection with all the legal requirements as stipulated in the Electrical Installations Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa.
We all wish that our electrical installations could last a lifetime but this is unfortunately not the case. All electrical installations require regular inspections to ensure they are safe and meet the minimum standards as laid out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
After your property has been inspected, you will be issued with an electrical compliance certificate. This certificate proves that your property complies with regulation and will allow the continued transfer of your property when selling your home.
An electrical certificate of compliance when issued ensures that:
When an electrician inspects your property, tests are carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to ensure they are safe and free from defects.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do I get an electrical compliance certificate?
You can only get an electrical compliance certificate from a registered electrician who must inspect and test your electrical installation and ensure that it complies with the legal requirements as stipulated in the Electrical Installations Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa
How much does it cost to get an electrical compliance certificate?
The cost of an electrical compliance certificate depends upon the work required to fix your electrical installation. If the electrician finds no faults, the cost of the electrical certificate can range from R850 to R1,500. If faults are found, the cost could range from R1,000 to R15,000 or more.
How long is an electrical compliance certificate valid for?
In South Africa, an electrical compliance certificate (COC) is valid for the lifetime of the electrical installation until such time as alterations to the installation are made. Therefore, a new electrical certificate must be obtained when alterations or additions are made to the electrical installation.
How long does it take to get an electrical certificate?
This depends on the size of the property, the number of electrical circuits and if issues are identified during the electrical inspection. An electrical installation with no faults can take 2-5 hours, while an installation with faults could take several days to complete.
Is an electrical certificate a legal requirement?
An electrical certificate is a legal requirement drafted by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) that is placed upon the owner of a property who must ensure their electrical installation is safe and does not pose a threat to any human and animal or the property.
Do I need an electrical compliance certificate and an electric fence certificate when selling my property?
In South Africa, you cannot renovate, build or sell any property without an Electric Clearance Certificate (ECC), validated by the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa and the Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa (ECB). We provide an electrical compliance certificate to guarantee that our work has been done according to regulations.
Performing installations, maintenance, and electrical repairs to keep structures and processes in good working order can lead you to need a qualified, skilled, and licensed electrician validated by the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa and the Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa (ECB).
Before a transfer can occur, the seller must provide an Electric Clearance Certificate. To safeguard both the seller and the buyer, the ECOC proves that the property electrics and electrical circuits function correctly; the property is correctly earthed and bonded, and the property is free from defective electrical work that could cause electric shock risks and fire hazards.
When selling your property, it’s now also mandatory to supply a valid Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance (EFCOC) before your property transfer can be concluded.
We deliver safe solutions by diagnosing and advising you about your electrical installation issues or requirements.
If you need advice on an electrical fault and help with appliances, switches or wall sockets, contact our electricians in your area to get expert assistance.
Who should perform the work for an electrical certificate of compliance inspection?
The electrical certificate of compliance inspection should be done by a qualified and accredited person, such as a registered electrician. The electrician will need to validate that the electrics conform to the South African wiring code (SANS 10142-1) – Requirements for Electrical Installations.
Transfer attorneys are required by law to insist that Electrical Certificates of Compliance have been signed off by a fully qualified and registered electrician. This certificate will also ensure you are covered by insurance in the event that someone is shocked by your electrical installation. Also if something should happen such as an electrical shock your insurance may not cover you without a valid electrical certificate. Take the following steps so you know you are not wasting your money or taking a risk:
What work is carried out during an electrical certificate of compliance inspection?
An electrician will carry out the following work when performing an inspection: