Comprehensive Guide to Electrical  Certificate of Compliance in South Africa

This guide provides an in-depth exploration of the Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in South Africa, covering its definition, legal framework, importance, validity, responsibilities, inspection process, costs, and practical considerations. It aims to equip property owners, renters, and professionals with the knowledge needed to ensure safety and compliance.

Important always use a SAPAC Electrical Stakeholder!

Contact SAPAC for assistance to a Trusted SAPAC Stakeholder in your area through the Request Access or Contact SAPAC on the front of our Home Screen or pressing this LINK

Here you can listen to an overview of the Guide!

In South Africa, the Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a cornerstone of electrical safety and legal compliance. It verifies that a property’s electrical installation meets stringent safety standards, protecting occupants from hazards like electric shocks and fires. Whether you’re selling a home, renting a property, or making electrical upgrades, understanding the CoC is essential. This guide delves into every aspect of the CoC, addressing common questions and clarifying misconceptions. 

Definition and Legal Framework

The Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), sometimes referred to as an Electrical Compliance Certificate (ECoC), is a legal document that confirms an electrical installation complies with the safety requirements outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, specifically under the Electrical Installation Regulations of 2009. It is issued by a registered electrician after a thorough inspection and testing process.

The CoC ensures adherence to the South African National Standard (SANS) 10142-1, which governs the wiring of premises for low-voltage installations. The latest edition, SANS 10142-1:2024 Edition 3.2, was released in August 2024, incorporating updates to reflect technological advancements and safety enhancements (SANS 10142-1:2024 Edition 3.2).

The CoC is accompanied by a test report, which includes detailed documentation such as wiring diagrams and photos, verifying compliance. The test report is typically multiple pages, ensuring transparency and traceability, as mandated by Regulation 7(1) of the Electrical Installation Regulations.

Aspect	Details
Definition	Legal document verifying electrical installation safety under Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Legal Basis	Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993; Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009.
Standards Reference	SANS 10142-1:2024 Edition 3.2, governing low-voltage installations.
Accompanying Documents	Test report with wiring diagrams, photos; multiple pages for detailed compliance verification.

Purpose and Importance

The CoC serves three primary purposes: safety, legal compliance, and insurance validation.

Safety

The CoC ensures that electrical installations are free from defects that could cause electric shocks, fires, or other hazards. It verifies proper earthing, bonding, and circuit functionality, protecting occupants and property. A study on paediatric electrical injuries in Soweto found that 7% of burns were electrical, with 81% caused by illegal installations or exposed wires, highlighting the dangers of non-compliant systems (Paediatric Electrical Injuries).

Legal Compliance

The CoC is mandatory for several scenarios:

• Property Transactions: Regulation 7(5) requires a CoC no older than two years for property sales or transfers, ensuring recent safety verification.
• Alterations and Additions: Any changes to the electrical installation, such as new sockets or solar panels, require an updated CoC or supplement.
• Rental Agreements: Lessors must provide a valid CoC, though this responsibility may transfer to tenants via lease terms.

Insurance

Insurance companies often require a valid CoC to cover electrical-related claims. Without one, claims may be denied, leaving property owners liable for damages. The CoC demonstrates that the electrical system meets safety standards, reducing insurer risk.

Purpose	Details
Safety	Verifies earthing, bonding, circuit health; prevents shocks, fires, and other hazards.
Legal Compliance	Required for property sales (under two years old), alterations, and rentals.
Insurance	Necessary for coverage; invalid CoC may lead to denied claims.

Validity and Duration

The validity of a CoC depends on its context, leading to some confusion in public understanding.

• General Validity: A CoC remains valid for the lifetime of the electrical installation, provided no alterations or additions are made. This is supported by  sources like SAPAC and the wider electrical discipline.and the ECA(SA)
• Property Transfers: For sales or ownership changes, Regulation 7(5) mandates that the CoC must be no older than two years, ensuring recent inspection (O’Reilly Law).
• Alterations: Any modification, such as adding a plug socket or installing a solar system, invalidates the existing CoC, requiring a new certificate or a supplement certificate

Misconceptions, such as a blanket two-year validity, have been debunked, which clarifies that the two-year rule applies only to property transfers.

Context	Validity Period
General Use	Valid for installation lifetime until alterations or additions are made; new CoC required then.
Property Sales/Transfers	Must be no older than two years, per Regulation 7(5).
Alterations/Additions	Invalidates existing CoC; new certificate or supplement required.

Responsibilities

The responsibility for maintaining a valid CoC lies with the user or lessor of the property, not necessarily the owner. This distinction is critical in rental scenarios, where lease agreements often transfer this obligation to tenants. SAPAC and the the wider electrical discipline advises renters to insist on seeing a valid CoC to avoid liability.

In property sales, the seller typically obtains and funds the CoC, but this can be negotiated with the buyer, as noted. by O’Reilly Law

 For alterations, the party commissioning the work (e.g., homeowner or contractor) is responsible for obtaining an updated CoC.

Responsibility	Details
User/Lessor	Responsible for safety, maintenance; renters should verify CoC validity. This can be requested through SAPAC.
Property Seller	Typically obtains CoC for sales; cost negotiable with buyer. However the COC must have been issued by a registered electrical contractor.
Alterations	Party commissioning work ensures updated CoC or supplementary COC

Inspection Process

The CoC inspection must be conducted only by a registered electrician with a Wireman’s License, accredited by the Department of Labour and in most cases be registered with the wider electrical industry and may be a SAPAC Stakeholder.

The process involves a series of tests outlined in SANS 10142-1:2020 Edition 3, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Key tests include:

• Continuity of Bonding: Ensures bonding conductors have resistance ≤ 0.2 Ω.
• Earth Continuity Conductor Resistance: Compared against SANS 10142-1 Table 8.1.
• Insulation Resistance: Must be ≥ 1.0 MΩ, tested at ≥ 500V.
• Earth Leakage Units: Must trip at 100% and sustain at 50% of rated residual current.
• Polarity and Switching Devices: Verifies correct connections and functionality.

The inspection takes 1–5 hours for a standard property without faults, but may extend to days if repairs are needed. The electrician provides a test report alongside the CoC, documenting findings.

Test	Details	Values/Notes
Continuity of Bonding	Confirms bonding conductors; resistance ≤ 0.2 Ω.	Voltage: 4V-24V, Current: ≥0.2A
Earth Continuity Resistance	Measured between earth terminal and consumption points; see Table 8.1.	Varies by circuit rating
Insulation Resistance	Tested at ≥ 500V; resistance ≥ 1.0 MΩ.	Disconnect voltage-sensitive equipment
Earth Leakage Units	Trip at 100%, sustain at 50% of rated residual current.	Test each unit in distribution board
Polarity	Ensures correct phase connections and device functionality.	Maintain phase rotation for three-phase systems

Inspection Process

The inspection for a CoC must be conducted by a qualified and registered electrician who holds a Wireman's License. The electrician performs a series of tests and checks to ensure the electrical installation meets the required safety standards. The inspection covers a wide range of components, including but not limited to:

"The inspection also requires documentation such as electrical diagrams, photos, and test sheets for each supply point. For instance, if there are two distribution boards, two test sheets are needed. Electricians must be registered with the Department of Labour and often with professional bodies to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and standards. The inspection is comprehensive, covering every aspect of the electrical system. Electricians use specialized equipment to measure voltage, resistance, and other parameters to ensure everything is within safe limits. The process also includes visual inspections for any signs of wear, damage, or improper installations."

Costs Involved

The cost of obtaining a CoC varies based on property size, location, and the condition of the electrical installation. Typical costs range from R850 to R2,500 for a standard inspection, with call-out fees. If repairs are required, costs can escalate to R15,000 or more, depending on the extent of work needed.

"It is important to note that there are many non compliant databases that does not follow the prescribed rules and regulations to safeguard the public or the electrical contractor. Therefore you may contact SAPAC for top tier service." 

Electricians charge hourly rates including in some instances travelling, with master electricians at the higher end. Travel costs are often calculated using AA vehicle rates (e.g., R5.93/km for a Nissan NP200 as an example) 

Cost Factor	Details
Inspection Fee	R1,500–R2,500 for standard properties; varies by size and location.
Call-Out Fee	Approximately R800 for initial assessment.
Repairs	R1,000–R15,000+ if faults are found; depends on extent of work.
Hourly Rates	R650–R750 for residential electricians; R400–R800 for master electricians.
Travel Costs	Based on AA rates, e.g., R5.93/km for a Nissan NP200. (Example)

Practical Considerations

Ensuring CoC Validity

A valid CoC must meet specific requirements, including:

• Issued by a registered electrician with a Wireman’s License. Keep in mind there are different types of electrical contractors.
• Includes Department of Labour logo, headed “Annexure 1,” and a unique contractor number.
• Accompanied by a signed test report. (O’Reilly Law).

To avoid fraudulent CoCs, verify the electrician’s credentials with SAPAC or the Electrical Contractors Association. Check for signs of authenticity, such as correct voltage limits (e.g., touch voltage ≤ 25V) and bonding continuity (≤ 0.2 Ω).

Handling Alterations

Any addition or alteration, such as new plug sockets, solar installations, or lapa wiring, requires a CoC supplement. However, a supplement cannot be issued without a valid CoC for the entire property. Solar installations and generators also require a CoC, and issuing one without a valid property CoC is illegal, potentially invalidating insurance.

Addressing Issues Post-Purchase

If a new owner discovers issues with the CoC (e.g., outdated, incomplete, or fraudulent), they can:

• Contact SAPAC for assistance. (Route) Annexure H
  
• Contact the seller to rectify at their cost.
• Request the issuing electrician to fix faults or issue a new CoC.
• Hire another electrician for a new inspection and CoC, at their own cost if initial attempts fail.
• Report misconduct to the Approved Inspection Authority

Safety Implications

The CoC is not merely a legal requirement but a vital safety document. Non-compliant installations can lead to severe consequences, as evidenced by the Soweto study, where high-voltage injuries had a 67% mortality rate. Regular inspections and compliance with SANS 10142-1 mitigate these risks.

Rationale 

The Electrical Certificate of Compliance is the fundamental component of electrical safety and legal compliance in South Africa. It ensures that installations are safe, legally compliant, and insurable, protecting occupants and property. By understanding its requirements, responsibilities, and processes, property owners and renters can navigate the CoC landscape with confidence, contributing to a safer environment.

For further assistance, SAPAC may be contact for assistance. The procedural requirements and processes followed by SAPAC includes fairness and works in line with procedural requirements of the Electrical industry. 

Key Citations

• SAPAC CoC Guide for Homeowners
• Obtain CoC Through SAPAC
• Spot Fake Electrical CoC Tips
• CoC for Landlords and Tenants

Contact SAPAC for assistance to a Trusted SAPAC Stakeholder in your area through the Request Access or Contact SAPAC on the front of our Home Screen or pressing this LINK