For homeowners who want to sell their modest homes, the electrical Certificate of Compliance is a must. An accredited, licensed electrician can provide you with an electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC).

This certificate serves as evidence that all electrical work and installations in your home are up to code and in good operating condition. Two years are allowed for expiration on Certificates of Compliance. However, you should be aware that any property with an electric fence needs its own certificate of conformity, known as an Electrical Fence System Compliance Certificate.

The owner should have the house inspected to make sure all of the electrical components are installed and functioning properly before putting it on the market. Any component that does not adhere to the specifications has to be changed or eliminated. Owners of properties using electric fencing must also have an extra Electrical Fence System Compliance Certificate.

What does my Electrical Certificate of Compliance entail?

• all components of the main distribution board, including any sub-boards, circuit breakers, earth leaks, etc.
• the installation’s connection and earthing system;
• bonding of all metal parts (including satellite dishes and antennae)
• the light switches and plug outlets
• all appliance isolators that are fixed
• all of the wires from the main distribution board to the main incoming point of the mains;
• all the wiring, including wall plugs, light switches, and connections at the lights, running from distribution boards to switches and plugs
• all circuits and wiring to any stationary appliances, excluding the device itself, even if they are plugged into a wall socket
• the placement of electrical equipment, such as light switches and plugs that may not be placed too close to faucets, showers, bathtubs, and other fixtures
• accessibility to the mains switch in an emergency within a specific height from the floor
• making sure that all of the installation’s electrical equipment is SABS- or other pertinent approvals-approved and has the appropriate type and rating for the application
• requiring the permitted installation of all electrical equipment
• making sure that all electrical equipment is properly secured in place and shielded against unauthorized access by small children
• making sure that the permanent electrical installation’s components are all in good operating order, including any safety features
• making sure that the permanent electrical installation’s components are all in good operating order, including any safety features
• An electrician will also take a number of readings to make sure that voltages, insulation, earthing, and other variables comply with legal standards

The hub of all of your electrical installations is the distribution board (DB board) in your house. The incoming supply to your mains is then further divided into the numerous circuits for plugs, lights, and other devices from there. Overload and short circuit problems are guarded against by the circuit breakers (without which you could run the risk of electrical fires).

In accordance with the greatest quantity of electricity that the connected circuit may be expected to transport, the circuit breakers and wire size must be properly rated.

Your DB board’s earth leakage guards against any electrocution hazards. The main switch must be simple to reach in an emergency, at the very least, according to minimum rules. Of course, having easy access to the entire board is preferred.

I need a COC, but why?

Like gas and water, electricity has the potential to “leak.” When you touch the “leaking” device, this leakage current may pass into you, which could be dangerous. The earth leakage relay is made to keep an eye out for leakage current that is traveling to earth directly or indirectly. This will cause the earth leakage relay to trip and cut off the current flow if it rises above a specified threshold. This is why it’s crucial to correctly earth all circuits in order to guarantee that the earth leakage relay will function as intended in an emergency.

The homeowner (seller) is responsible for ensuring that any electrical installation in the residence is in good working order and does not constitute a risk to the safety of any person, animal, or item of property. If there is no COC in place and there is an injury or incident, the homeowner may be held liable, the home’s insurance may be deemed void, and you will be responsible for any damages incurred.

A COC is needed when?

Any individual who owns any kind of electrical installation must, at all times, be in possession of a valid Certificate of Compliance since it is a legal necessity to have an electrical certificate.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), it is illegal to market, sell, rent out, or provide an improper electrical installation. This means that before a property can be transferred, the seller is required to obtain a COC. The certificate must be granted by an authorized contracting company, meet all requirements set forth by the authorities, and adhere to the most recent Code of Practice.

Who can issue a COC?

A COC can only be issued by a competent electrician who also holds a Wireman’s License and is registered with the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa (ECB).