As a homeowner of a property, you will by law need to supply a valid CoC certificate in order for the transfer to go through.
The Coc certificate could cost you from R850.00 -R1500+, this costing will depend on the size and type of premises.
The electrical components of the premises will need to be paid over and above the R850.00 – R1500+ which is the cost of the Coc certificate. By having a Coc it assures that:
- All electrical circuits are operating correctly and efficiently.
- Your property is safe against any potential shocks or fires.
- Your property has been earthed and bonded correctly by a qualified electrician
- Your property’s electrical work will be in line with the necessary rules
What is an Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC)?
An Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) is a legal document that assures the electrical work on your property complies with the South African National Standards as stipulated in the Electrical Installations Occupational Health and Safety Act.
When selling a property the property owner has the responsibility of supplying a valid Electrical Compliance Certificate in addition to an electrical fence certificate of compliance in cases where there are electric fences before any property can be transferred.
Any home with electrical items will be required to have a CoC, these types of items will include the DBboard, lights, swimming pools, geysers, wiring and even plugs.
Before providing a CoC electrical certificate, qualified electrical contractors have to be registered with the Department Of Labour (D.O.L), this may be inspected by the E.C.A (Electrical Contractors Association or the Department of Labour.
The following is what a Qualified Electrician will carry out during and Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) inspection
- Make certain that the fuse box is fitted with a trip switch
- Make certain that switches, sockets and light fittings are operating correctly.
- Check that the premises are earthed and bonded properly.
- Make sure that the switch box is labelled correctly and includes the right warnings.
- Make sure there is no damage or deterioration
- Ensure the kind of wiring system is safe and in good condition.
- Make certain the electrical main switch is compliant with regulation.
For how many years is a COC Certificate valid for?
The initial CoC certificate is only valid for two years, the seller will need to obtain a new CoC certificate, if the Coc certificate is not older than two years you will have to state that no modifications have been made to the electrical components of the house in the last three months, this is to be sure that if there are any modifications or additions made to the electrical component of the house are in line with the needed regulations.
Responsibility of The Electrician
Experienced electricians have to register for CoC every single year. Regardless of all the electrical work performed, each and every electrician will need to register with the relevant authority every year.
If you want to evaluate the status of the electrician completing the electrical work you will need to consult with the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa and the Department of Labour, you will then be given the electricians registration card as well as his accreditation certificate.
The home seller is obligated to:
As a homeowner of a property it is your task to ensure the property has a legitimate CoC in addition to organizing an electrical inspection well before the property may be registered in the buyer’s name. When the electrical work has been completed the seller will need to get a new ECoC.
The price of a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)?
Electrical Compliance Certificate varies from R850, depending upon the type of premises for example, domestic, commercial and industrial properties will have different costs.
The cost of the certificate is only covered by the fee stated, if there are any adjustments to be made to the electrical components of the premises this will need to be paid over and above this cost. As soon as all the electrical components of the house remain in line with the necessary regulations, then only will the certificate be awarded to the house owner by the licensed electrician.
Will my Certificate of Compliance (CoC) still be valid once new electrical changes have been completed?
Any alterations made to the electrical components on the property that currently has a CoC will need another CoC certificate for the additions or changes, thus keeping them both together.
How long does it take a qualified electrician to inspect and issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for a property?
Depending on the size of the property this could take anywhere in between two to three hours.
