FOR Registered Electricians

Or Book for an Electrician

How Titan Electrical issues a Certificate of Compliance

We’ve been discussing Certificates of Compliance (CoC) a lot lately. We’ve found that many of our customers aren’t familiar with what a CoC is, how they are issued, and why every building owner should have one. When you contact us for our CoC services, our electrician will walk you through the process during the actual consultation, but here’s an overview of what to expect in the meantime.

What is a Certificate of Compliance?

An electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a legal document certifying that all of the electrical work and installations in a building are safe, in good working order, and up to standard. A CoC can only be obtained from a qualified and registered electrician. CoCs are valid for two years from the original issue date. It’s compulsory for all home owners wishing to sell their houses to have a valid CoC at the time of sale. 

Who needs a CoC?

Ideally, every building owner should have a valid CoC at all times. It’s important to ensure that all the electrical work in a building is safe and up to standard, especially in older buildings that are prone to electrical wear and tear. Even in new houses, it’s generally just a good idea to have your building inspected every 2 years. In order to sell a building, the seller must have a valid CoC issued before sale.

Why do I need a CoC?

In short, you need a CoC to certify that the electrical system/s in your building are fully functional, and above all are safe. 

A qualified, registered electrician will be able to thoroughly inspect the building and either issue the certificate if all is well, or pinpoint any problem areas. If any electrical aspect is malfunctioning, faulty, or poses a danger to any person or animal in the building, it must be removed, replaced, or repaired. 

Most insurance companies require the owner to have a valid CoC before they will insure the building. 

In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) no person may market, sell, let, or supply an electrical installation that is unsafe. This means that the Seller of a property is obligated to obtain a COC before transfer of the property may occur. The certificate must be issued by a legitimate contractible company, and must comply with all the criteria stipulated by the authorities, as well as conforming to the latest Code of Practice.

How does Titan Electrical issue a CoC?

Our service professionals are knowledgeable and very approachable. They’re always willing to answer any questions you may have, at any stage of the interaction. Titan Electrical is about more than business. We want to provide more than a piece of paper; we want to help you keep your home or business safe and in perfect working condition. 

One of our registered and fully qualified  electricians will arrive at your property, greet you, collect the paperwork and equipment they need from their Sunburst vehicle, and while observing the correct Covid-19 protocols, will enter your building and chat to you about the basics of a CoC and how they’ll proceed with their assessment. Once you’re comfortable and satisfied that you know what to expect, our electrician will walk through the building with you, assessing the DB, various systems, and any other aspects that need to be signed off. 

If your building requires any maintenance, repairs, or replacements, our electrician will state this on the certificate. If everything is in safe and working order, our electrician will complete the certificate as normal, sign it off, clean up any mess, etc. and answer any follow up questions you may have before they leave your premises. It’s as simple as that! No mess, no stress.

What does a CoC cover?

The electrical certificate covers: 

  • everything in the main distribution board and any sub boards, circuit breakers, earth leakage etc.;
  • the earthing system and connectivity throughout the installation;
  • the bonding of all metal components (antennas and satellite dishes); 
  • the socket outlets and light switches; 
  • all isolators for fixed appliances;
  • all the cables from the mains incoming point to the main distribution board;
  • all the cabling from the distribution boards to switches and plugs (including the wall plugs and light switches, through to the connection at the lights);
  • all circuits and wiring to any fixed appliances, even if they are plugged into a wall socket (excluding the actual appliance itself);
  • the positioning of electrical equipment (e.g. light switches and plugs that may not be within a certain distance of taps, shower, baths etc.);
  • the mains switch and its accessibility within a certain height from the floor in case of emergencies;
  • ensuring that all electrical equipment in the installation is approved by SABS or other relevant approvals, and be of the correct type and rating for the application;
  • ensuring that all electrical equipment must be installed in an approved manner;
  • ensuring that all electrical equipment is securely attached in place and suitably protected from little fingers trying to gain access – thereby safeguarding curious children;
  • ensuring that all parts of the permanent electrical installation is in good working order (including safety features); and lastly,
  • readings taken to ensure that voltages, insulation, earthing, and other values adhere to regulatory requirements.

What does a CoC not cover?

  • The electrician issuing the CoC does not service or upgrade the electrical installation. They only ensure that what is already installed in your home is operational, compliant with regulations, and is deemed safe.
  • Your CoC doesn’t cover upgrades to electrical installations in older homes. 
  • Fixed home appliances are only checked in order to ensure that they are connected to the installation via approved means, it’s not checked whether they are in working condition.
  • Your doesn’t cover temporary installations. This means that it does not cover something that can simply be unplugged and removed by hand, and that was clearly intended for temporary use only.

Having a valid CoC is a crucial part of owning a property. While it can seem like a nuisance, it’s the best way to ensure your property is safe. Faulty electrical installations are the leading cause of house fires, and they can be life endangering if not attended to swiftly. 

Contact us today and one of our service professionals will be in touch with you as soon as possible to set up a date and time to inspect your property. Please don’t hesitate to contact us about any questions you may have!

REFER A FRIEND AND

EARN UPTO R400

free on-site quotes

FREE ON-SITE
QUOTES

workmanship guaranteed

WORKMANSHIP &
PARTS GUARANTEED

licences and insured experts

LICENSED &
INSURED EXPERTS

upfront pricing

UPFRONT, FLAT
RATE PRICING