In order for the sale of a property to go through you lawfully require a Coc certificate 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 have to be paid over and above the R850.00 – R1500+ that is the cost of the Coc certificate. By providing a Coc it assures that:
- Your property has been earthed and bonded professionally by a certified electrician
- Your property’s electrical work will be in line with the required regulations
- All electrical circuits are functioning correctly and efficiently.
- Your property is safe against any potential shocks or fires.
See below what an Electrical Compliance Certificate is (ECoC).
The Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) document is to guarantee that the electrical work on the property meets standard and adhere to the South African National Standards as stipulated in the Electrical Installations Occupational Health and Safety Act.
When selling a property the homeowner has the responsibility of supplying a legal Electrical Compliance Certificate as well as an electrical fence certificate of compliance in cases where there are electric fences before any property may be transferred.
A CoC certificate is needed for any home that has the following electrical components: DBboard, lights, swimming pools, geysers, wiring and plugs.
Prior to an electrical contractor can provide a CoC certificate they must be qualified and registered with the Department Of Labour (D.O.L), and this may be validated by the E.C.A (Electrical Contractors Association) or the Department of Labour.
The list below is what a Qualified Electrician will carry out during and Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) inspection
- Make certain the kind of wiring system is safe and in good condition.
- Make sure that the fuse box is fitted with a trip switch
- Make sure that switches, sockets and light fittings are working correctly.
- Check that the premises are earthed and bonded correctly.
- Make sure that the switch box is labelled properly and includes the correct warnings.
- Make sure there is no damage or wear and tear
- Make sure the electrical main switch is compliant with regulation.
For how long is a COC Certificate valid for?
The initial CoC certificate is only valid for two years, the home seller will have to apply for a new CoC certificate, if the Coc certificate is not older than two years you will have to state that no changes have been made to the electrical components of the house in the last three months, this is to ensure that if there are any changes or additions made to the electrical component of the house remain in line with the required regulations.
Electricians responsibilities
Regardless of the electrical work performed, as a licensed electrician you will need to register with the relevant authority and for Coc.
If an individual wants to evaluate the credibility of the electrician completing the electrical work they will need to speak to the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa and the Department of Labour, they will then be given the electricians registration card along with their accreditation certificate.
What is the responsibility of the Seller?
Making sure the property has a legitimate CoC is the home sellers duty, the seller of the property will need to arrange an electrical assessment before the property may be registered in the buyer’s name. If new electrical work has been completed on the house, the home seller will be requested to get a new ECoC.
What is the cost of a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)?
Electrical Compliance Certificate can cost you from R850.00 upwards, and this depends upon the sort of premises being evaluated like domestic, commercial and industrial properties will have different costs.
This fee will only cover the price of the certificate and any adjustments that need to be made to the electrical components of the premises will need to be paid for over and above this cost. The CoC will only be given to the house owner by the qualified electrician once all the electrical components of your house remain in line with the necessary regulations.
Will my Certificate of Compliance (CoC) still stand as soon as new electrical changes have been completed?
Any addition or alteration made to the electrical components of a property which currently has a CoC will need a supplementary CoC certificate for the addition or change, keeping both CoC’s together.
How many hours will it take for a licensed electrician to evaluate and provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC for the property?What is the estimated time for a qualified electrician to inspect and provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC for a property?
The inspection could take between two or three hours depending upon the size of the property.
