In order for the sale of a property to go through you officially need a Coc certificate for the transfer to go through.
The Coc certificate costing all depends upon the type along with the size of the premises this could be anywhere from R850.00 – R1500+.
R850.00 – R1500+ will pay for the cost of the certificate only, if there are any modifications to be made to the electrical components of the premises, this will need to be paid over and above the cost. A CoC assures that:
- Your property has been earthed and bonded correctly by a qualified electrician
- Your property’s electrical work will be in line with the necessary regulations
- All electrical circuits are operating professionally 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 is up to 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 property owner has the duty of providing an authentic Electrical Compliance Certificate in addition to 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.
All qualified electrical contractors are supposed to be certified with the Department Of Labour (D.O.L), before issuing a CoC electrical certificate, this can be approved by the E.C.A. (Electrical Contractors Association) or the Department of Labour.
The following is what a Certified Electrician will perform during and Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) inspection
- Ensure that the fuse box is fitted with a trip switch
- Make sure that switches, sockets and light fittings are operating correctly.
- Check that the premises are earthed and bonded properly.
- Make certain that the switch box is labelled correctly and includes the appropriate warnings.
- Make certain there is no damage or wear and tear
- Make certain the kind of wiring system is safe and in good condition.
- Ensure the electrical main switch is compliant with regulation.
Does a COC Certificate expire?
A Coc certificate is not valid permanently, a buyer can not give the home buyer the genuine CoC certificate, if it is more than two years old, and then if it is not older that two years you need to specify that no changes have been made to the electrical components of the ht house in the last three months. The reason for this is to guarantee that any modifications or additions that have been made to the electrical components of the house are still according to the required regulations.
Electricians responsibilities
As a qualified electrician you will need to register for your CoC each year. Irrespective of the electrical work done, every single electrician will need to register with the relevant authority yearly.
If an individual wishes to evaluate the integrity of the electrician executing the electrical work they will need to call the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa and the Department of Labour, they will then receive the electricians registration card together with their accreditation certificate.
Responsibility of The Seller
It is the home sellers responsibility to make sure the property has as legitimate CoC as well as arranging an electrical inspection well before the property can be registered in the buyer’s name. Once the electrical work has been completed, the seller will be requested to get a new ECoC.
What is the price of a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)?
The cost of the Electrical Compliance Certificate may vary from R850. and this is dependent on the kind of premises whether domestic, commercial, and industrial properties will have different costs.
This price will only cover the cost of the certificate and any changes that need to be made to the electrical components of the premises will need to be paid over and above this price. The CoC will only be awarded to the house owner by the certified electrician when all the electrical components of your house are in line with the necessary regulations.
Once new electrical changes have been concluded will my Certificate of Compliance (CoC) still stand?
If there are any additions or changes made to the electrical components of a property that already has a CoC, will need an additional CoC certificate for the additions or modification, both CoC’s must be always kept together.
How long does it take a licensed electrician to assess and provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for a property?
The inspection could take in between two or three hours depending upon the size of the property.
