Q: Why do I need an electrical compliance certificate for my house?

An electrical compliance certificate is proof that your electrical installation is safe and complies with the rules and regulations as set out in the South African Nation Standards 10142-1.

The law requires that you be in possession of an electrical compliance certificate at all times, as does your insurance company.

Q: An electrician wants to do the electrical extensions to my house, but he says that he cannot issue me with an electrical compliance certificate. Is this ok?

No. It is illegal for anyone to interfere with your electrical installation without having the correct qualifications to do so. This qualification is called a ‘wireman’s  license’, and only a registered electrician with a wireman’s license may do this type of work, An Electrician should work under the supervision of a registered person.

Q: What is covered on a COC for my house?

The following is covered on the COC:

Distribution boards, wiring, earthing and bonding of all metal components (include antennae and satellite dishes), as well as wall sockets, light switches and the isolators of fixed appliances.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The COC does not cover the fixed appliances themselves (geysers, stoves, motors, fans, under-floor heating).

Q: Is an electrical fence covered under my property's COC?

No. The SANS 10142-1 does not cover Electrical fences, as this is done during a separate inspection (different documentation). Always ask your installation electrician if he can perform this as well.

Q: Who can carry out electrical testing and issue a COC?

Only a Master electrician and an Installation Electrician can Issue you with a COC on your new or existing property, depending on your environment.

*note a single-phase tester may not do a COC on alterations and extensions of existing properties, regardless whether it is single phase or 3 phases. A Single-phase tester only test single phase new build properties, they also only sign the testing section on the COC, the design, materials and installation fields are signed by the designers and installers.

Q: Who should change my Hot water Cylinder Electrical element? The Plumber or Electrician?

This is almost a chicken and egg question, but, if you want peace of mind, get a plumber to replace the element and an electrician to connect it correctly. In reality this will not be the most cost-effective solution, so you always have electricians and plumbers that have this crossover knowledge.

Q: My Electrician said I must have an Isolator for my gate motor, is this true?

Yes. Any fixed appliances should have a Switch disconnecter that disconnects the live and the neutral simultaneously within arm's reach

Q: What is the best way to connect my small portable generator I got from my local DIY shop?

There is no best way as this should not be done! If you want to have a generator, buy one which is designed as a standby generator with proper change over switches. By simply hot-wiring your portable generator to the house, the protection devices in the DB will not be working correctly and could put your family at risk.

A standby generator should have its own earth spike and when a COC is issued, the connection and safety measures must be tested from both sides.

SANS 10142-1 (South African National Standard for wiring of the premises).

7.12.2.7: A 230V Generator with a V-O-V earth connection (centre tap on winding which is earthed) shall not be connected to a fixed installation.