What is a Certificate of Compliance?
The nights are getting colder and the energy usage is increasing! Now is the perfect time to ensure your electrical systems are safe and up to scratch.
But there are some people who have never hired an electrician before and there may be some questions. Like, how do you know you are getting what you paid for? What proof do you receive that the work has been fully completed and that there have been no shortcuts? Everyone knows the horror stories involving shady or incomplete work from someone.
The Certificate of Compliance (COC) is a declaration by the registered person that the electrical installation has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, and the regulations hereunder. Besides the fact that the COC is proof that the electrical installation is safe, the law requires a property owner to be in possession of an Electrical COC, as do insurance companies. If property incurs any damage as a result of an electrical fault, the insurance company will require the owner to provide them with a valid electrical certificate. Failure to produce the document could result in the insurance company rejecting the claim.
Tips for Your Home
It is good maintenance practice to have your property re-inspected for wear and tear every 2 years, regardless of whether the owner is intending to sell the property or not. This will ensure that the wiring remains safe during the period the owner or tenant occupies the property. It is important to note that if you have a valid COC it must be kept at the premises that the COC relates to.
If the COC is valid and work is done to the system after the COC was issued, a new COC must be issued but only for that part of the installation where additional work was done to the electrical system. The additional COC must be filed with the original and kept on hand if and when required by any inspection authority.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Certificate of Compliance
If any part of an electrical installation does not comply, the registered person cannot issue a COC. No alterations are permitted on a COC and only a registered person may issue a COC. Since May 2009 it has become compulsory for homeowners to be in possession of a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance (ECOC). This document verifies that the electrical work and installations that have been completed on a property are up to the regulations required by the South African National Standards and are safe.
If you have any questions about an Electrical Certificate of Compliance, contact Titan Electrical for more information. Or you can Request an appointment now to get your very own COC done!
