Discover everything you need to know about obtaining a certificate of compliance for your home.
What exactly is a Certificate of Compliance (COC)?
This certificate is mandatory for homeowners looking to sell their homes. Obtain your certificate of compliance from a qualified and registered electrician.
This certificate aims to demonstrate that all electrical work and installations in your home are functioning correctly and up to standard. COCs are valid for two years from the date of issue. It’s worth noting that properties with electric fences require a separate Electrical Fence System Compliance Certificate.
Who needs a Certificate of Compliance?
Before you put your home on the market, please ensure all electrical components are working properly. Anything that doesn’t meet requirements should be repaired or removed. Homeowners with electric fencing need an additional Electrical Fence System Compliance Certificate.
What does the Certificate of Compliance cover?
The COC covers a wide range of electrical aspects, including main distribution boards, circuit breakers, earth leakage, socket outlets, light switches, fixed appliance isolators, cables, wiring, positioning of electrical equipment, approval of equipment, correct installation, secure attachment, safety features, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
The distribution board (DB board) is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It splits the incoming supply into different circuits, protects against faults, and ensures safety.
What is not covered by the Certificate of Compliance?
The COC does not include services or upgrades to the electrical installation. It solely verifies that the existing electrical systems comply with regulations and are safe.
It also does not cover upgrades to older homes or specify a minimum number of socket outlets or plug circuits. Additionally, the COC does not check the working condition of fixed appliances, but rather their connection to the installation.
How to Identify a Fake Certificate of Compliance
Be on the lookout for fraudulent Certificates of Compliance (COCs). There have been cases where blank COCs have been sold or former employees have illegally issued COCs using a company’s registration details. If your company’s information was used to issue a fake COC, it is your responsibility to address the situation.
To help you spot a fake COC, here are some key indicators:
1. Voltage Test: The voltage on your residential main distribution board should be less than 25 volts. If it’s higher, the COC is invalid.
2. Bonding Continuity: The bonding continuity on your main DB board should not exceed 0.2 Ohms.
3. Insulation Resistance: The insulation resistance should not be higher than 1 mega ohms. Make sure this is stated on the COC.
4. Earth Leakage: The earth leakage unit should operate between 15 and 30 mA. If it’s outside this range, the COC is invalid.
5. No Corrections or Alterations: A valid COC should not have any corrections or alterations.
6. Correct Information: The information on the COC must match the correct date and include the electrician’s details. It’s your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the COC.
7. Yes or N/A Answers: Check that the electrician has filled in “Yes” or “N/A” for all applicable sections. If there’s a “No” answer, the COC is not valid.
8. Electrician’s Signature: The electrician must sign the document for the COC to be considered valid. This confirms that everything meets established standards.
Although these requirements may seem technical, the COC checklist will outline all these categories. By verifying these points, you can ensure the validity of your COC and prevent potential issues. Pay attention to any comments made by the electrician who issues your COC as well.
What does an Electrical COC Cost?
The cost of the inspection is typically a fixed fee. However, the total cost depends on whether repairs are needed. The electrician will inform you of any necessary work to comply with the Code of Practice and provide a quotation for the required repairs. At this point, you can either accept the quotation and have the electrician perform the work, resulting in a new COC, or appoint another qualified electrician to do the work and issue the COC.
Please note that electricians cannot issue COCs based on the work of others, as the certificate serves as a guarantee on materials and workmanship. The inspection fee is separate from the certificate fee and remains payable regardless of who issues the certificate.
What is the Validity Period of the Electrical COC?
Previously, an electrical certificate was valid as long as the installation was not altered or worked on. However, this practice had shortcomings. Wear and tear is inevitable, and there was no way to guarantee that the electrical installation remained unchanged over time. Therefore, COCs are now valid for a maximum of two years, assuming no alterations or work has been done during that period. An affidavit may need to be signed to confirm this.
Our qualified and friendly service professionals at Unitech SA are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns about your COC. Contact us today to ensure your electrical compliance!
