I’m sure many home and property owners have thought to themselves, “Do I really need a Certificate of Compliance?” And while we can see why you might be frustrated with having to renew it again, the answer is yes.
Yes, you do really need a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)!
We’ve been talking about CoC a fair amount, but we’ve mostly been talking about what it covers and how to identify an invalid one. Now, we want to tell you why YOU need one.
As a recap:
An electrical 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.
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 two 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.
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.
How do I get a CoC?
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.
Only a qualified electrician with a Wireman’s License (and who is registered with the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa) can issue a CoC. Our Titan Electrical service professionals are registered and fully qualified to issue a CoC.
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!
