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Need an Electrical COC?
Home › Certificates of Compliance › Electrical COC
Need an
Electrical COC?
PJ Electrical provides professional inspection, testing and Electrical Certificate of Compliance services for residential and commercial properties across Pretoria and Centurion.
More Than a Piece of Paper
An Electrical Certificate of Compliance confirms that an electrical installation has been inspected and tested for compliance with the applicable requirements.
A COC cannot simply be issued because one has been requested. The electrical installation must first be properly inspected and tested and any non-compliant items addressed before certification can be completed. A COC may only be issued following the required inspection and testing by an appropriately registered person.
When Might You Need an Electrical COC?
New Electrical Installations
New installations must be inspected, tested and certified.
Additions or Alterations
Certification is required for at least the addition or alteration.
Selling or Transferring a Property
A valid Electrical COC is required for the transfer of ownership of a property.
Insurance or Documentation
May be required for insurance, property management or other compliance documentation.
How the Electrical COC Process Works
An inspection and a certificate are not the same thing. Certification follows once the relevant installation has been inspected and meets the applicable requirements.
Inspection & Testing
PJ Electrical inspects and tests the applicable electrical installation against the relevant compliance requirements.
Findings
If non-compliant items are identified, we’ll explain what requires attention before certification can be completed.
Remedial Work
Where corrective electrical work is required, the necessary remedial work can be discussed and completed.
Certification
Once the installation meets the applicable requirements, the Electrical Certificate of Compliance can be issued.
What Does an Electrical COC Cover?
The Electrical Installation, Not Your Appliances.
An Electrical COC relates to the applicable fixed electrical installation. It does not certify the condition or operation of every electrical appliance connected to that installation.
The plug point forms part of the electrical installation. The toaster plugged into it is an appliance.
The electrical installation supplying equipment may form part of the inspection. That does not mean the operation of the appliance itself is being certified.
A faulty stove plate, toaster or geyser component therefore does not automatically mean that the electrical installation was non-compliant when certified.
PJ Electrical does not provide appliance repair services.
What If Something Doesn't Comply?
An inspection does not automatically result in a COC being issued.
If non-compliant items are identified, PJ Electrical will explain what requires attention and what remedial electrical work is necessary before certification can be completed.
The inspection establishes what requires attention.
Non-compliance doesn’t necessarily mean the entire electrical installation needs to be replaced.
Already Have a COC, But Made Electrical Changes?
Electrical installations often change after certification. New circuits, additional electrical points, alterations and permanently connected equipment can involve changes to the fixed electrical installation.
Where an addition or alteration has been made to an installation for which a COC was previously issued, certification is required for at least that addition or alteration.
Existing plug point
Simply plugging equipment into an existing socket does not itself constitute adding a new fixed circuit.
New electrical connection
A dedicated connection or circuit from the DB needs to be appropriately inspected and certified.
What if there isn’t an existing COC?
Contact PJ Electrical. We can determine what inspection and certification is required before proceeding.
Does an Electrical COC Expire After Two Years?
Not automatically.
The Electrical Installation Regulations state that a change of ownership may not be allowed where the COC is older than two years.
However, additions or alterations made after certification can create further certification requirements.
Selling your property?
For a change of ownership, the Electrical COC relied upon may not be older than two years.
What Happens After Your COC Is Issued?
Your COC Relates to the Installation That Was Inspected.
A COC reflects the electrical installation inspected and certified at the time of testing. Subsequent electrical additions, alterations, damage or third-party work can change the installation after certification.
Certification is required for at least an addition or alteration made after a previous COC was issued.
Planning electrical changes?
Contact PJ Electrical before or after alterations so the appropriate inspection and certification requirements can be determined.
Selling Your Property?
PJ Electrical can inspect and test the electrical installation, identify non-compliant items and complete certification once the applicable requirements have been met.
Does the property also have solar or an electric fence?
Those installations may have separate compliance certification requirements.
Electrical COCs & Insurance
An Electrical COC provides important compliance documentation relating to the electrical installation.
Insurers may have specific requirements regarding electrical compliance and documentation, particularly following an electrical incident or property claim.
Confirm your insurer's requirements.
Insurance policies and circumstances differ. Always confirm the specific requirements that apply to you.
Landlords & Rental Properties
A New Tenant Moving In?
A landlord or lessor has responsibilities regarding the electrical installation and its compliance documentation.
PJ Electrical recommends considering an electrical inspection between tenancies, particularly where alterations, additions or damage may have occurred.
An inspection can help identify:
- Damaged electrical points or fittings
- Alterations made during the previous tenancy
- Electrical additions requiring attention
- Potential electrical safety concerns
- Work that may require further certification
It also provides a clearer record of the electrical installation before the new tenant takes occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Electrical COC does not automatically expire after two years. However, for a change of ownership, a COC older than two years may not be accepted for transfer. Additions or alterations made after certification may also require further certification.
PJ Electrical will explain which items require attention and what remedial electrical work is necessary. Once the applicable installation complies, certification can be completed.
Contact PJ Electrical so the changes can be assessed. Where additions or alterations were made, certification may be required for at least that work.
No. It relates to the applicable fixed electrical installation. It does not certify the condition or operation of every appliance connected to that installation.
Need an Electrical COC?
Whether you’re selling a property, have made electrical alterations, require compliance documentation or simply aren’t sure what certification you need, talk to PJ Electrical.