If you are selling off your property in order for the transfer to go through you would definitely need a CoC certificate, this is legal.
The Coc certificate could cost you from R850.00 -R1500+, this costing will be dependent on the size and type of premises.
R850.00 – R1500+ will pay for the cost of the certificate only, if there are any changes 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 functioning correctly and efficiently.
- Your property is safe against any potential shocks or fires.
What is an Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC)?
An Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) is a document that ensures the electrical work on your property complies with the South African National Standards as specified in the Electrical Installations Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Even before a property may be transferred, it is the property owners duty to supply a legal Electrical Compliance Certificate in addition to an electrical fence certificate of compliance.
A CoC certificate is needed for any home that has the following electrical components: DBboard, lights, swimming pools, geysers, wiring and plugs.
Prior to providing a CoC electrical certificate, certified electrical contractors need to be registered with the Department Of Labour (D.O.L), this may be checked by the E.C.A (Electrical Contractors Association or the Department of Labour.
The following is what a Qualified Electrician will perform during and Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC) inspection
- Make certain the type of wiring system is safe and in good condition.
- Make certain that the fuse box is fitted with a trip switch
- Ensure that switches, sockets and light fittings are working correctly.
- Check that the premises are earthed and bonded properly.
- Make certain that the switch box is labelled correctly and includes the correct warnings.
- Make certain there is no damage or deterioration
- Make sure the electrical main switch is compliant with regulation.
For how many years is a COC Certificate valid for?
A Coc certificate is not valid forever, a purchaser 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 changes or additions that have been made to the electrical components of the house are still in line with the necessary regulations.
What the Electrician is responsible for
Experienced electricians must register for CoC yearly. In Spite of all the electrical work performed, each and every electrician will need to register with the appropriate authority annually.
If you wish to check the status of the electrician executing 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 together with his accreditation certificate.
The seller is responsible to:
When you sell your property it is your duty as a homeowner to make sure the property has a genuine CoC, so you would need to set up an electrical evaluation before the property can be registered in the buyer’s name. If any new electrical work has been done on the house you are requested to get a new ECoC.
The cost of a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)?
Electrical Compliance Certificate could cost you from R850.00 upwards, and this depends upon the sort of premises being evaluated like domestic, commercial and industrial properties will have various costs.
This price 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 licensed electrician as soon as all the electrical components of the house remain in line with the necessary regulations.
Will my Certificate of Compliance (CoC) still be valid as soon as new electrical modifications have been concluded?
If there are any additions or alterations made to the electrical components of a property that already has a CoC, will need an additional CoC certificate for the additions or alteration, both CoC’s must be kept all together.
How long does it take a licensed electrician to inspect and issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for a property?
Depending upon the size of the property this could take anywhere around two to three hours.
