Electrical CoC questions, answered

An electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a document confirming that the fixed electrical installation covered by it has been inspected and tested against the applicable requirements and found to comply on the date of issue.

It relates to the building's electrical installation, not to the appliances you plug in.

A certificate may only be issued by an appropriately Registered Person acting within the legal electrical contractor framework. The certificate is issued in that person's name, based on the inspection and testing they carried out.

A certificate is commonly required when a property is sold or transferred, and after certain alterations or additions to an installation. Landlords and owners also arrange inspections for safety and compliance assurance.

For an installation that has not been changed, validity is not simply a universal two-year expiry.

For a property transfer, the certificate relied on must meet the applicable transfer conditions and is commonly required to be less than two years old. Alterations or additions made after issue can require additional certification.

The inspection covers the fixed installation: the distribution board and protective devices, earthing and bonding, fixed wiring and circuits, socket outlets, switches and fixed points, along with the required testing and measurements.

The exact scope depends on the installation and applicable requirements. Portable appliances are not automatically part of a standard fixed-installation CoC inspection.

The time needed depends on the size and condition of the installation. We confirm an expected duration when we confirm your appointment, so you know how much access to plan for.

If the installation does not comply, you receive the findings in writing along with a repair quote. The defects must be addressed before a compliant certificate can be issued.

Once the approved repairs are completed and the installation is re-tested and found compliant, the certificate and test report are issued.

Yes. We can quote for the corrective work, and you decide whether to proceed with us or elsewhere. You receive the findings and the quote before any repair work is scheduled.

No. The inspection fee covers inspection, testing and issuing the certificate if the installation complies. Repairs and replacement parts are quoted separately so you can see exactly what each correction costs.

Access to the distribution board and to every room with fixed electrical points, keys for outbuildings and locked areas, and any previous certificate or test report you have.

It also helps to know about recent electrical work, including solar or inverter installations.

No. Electric-fence certification is separate from the normal electrical CoC. If your property has an electric fence, tell us when you book so the correct inspections are arranged.

We carry out CoC inspections and electrical work across Gauteng. Send us your property suburb with your request and we will confirm coverage and any travel arrangement before booking.