What is a electrical compliance certificate?

Question

MyProperty · Accepted Answer

A certificate of compliance (coc) is a document that verifies that the electrical installations such as the plugs, lights, db-board, geyser, and wiring in a home comply with the legislated requirements as detailed in the occupational health and safety act. The onus has been placed on the homeowner (seller) to ensure that a faulty or non-compliant electrical installation in his / her house does not pose a threat through fire or electrocution to any person, animal, or property. Without a valid coc, should an injury or incident occur, the homeowner could be held liable and the insurance on the house could be declared invalid. The electrical certificate covers the permanent electrical installation which includes:. • all the cables from the mains incoming point to the main distribution board;. • everything in the main distribution board and any sub-boards, circuit breakers, earth leakage, etc. ;. • all the cabling from the distribution boards to switches and plugs, including the wall plugs and light switches, through to the connection at the lights;. • all circuits and wiring to any fixed appliances, even if they are plugged into a wall socket, but it does not include the actual appliance itself;. • the earthing system and connectivity throughout the installation;. Positioning of electrical equipment, e.g. Light switches and plugs may not be within a certain distance of taps, shower, baths, etc.;. Mains switch must be accessible and within a certain height from the floor in case of emergencies;.  • all electrical equipment in the installation must be approved, sabs or other relevant approvals, and be of the correct type and rating for the application;. • all electrical equipment must be installed in an approved manner, must be securely attached in place and suitably protected from little fingers gaining access;. • all parts of the permanent electrical installation must be in good working order, including safety features;. • the electrician will also take various readings to ensure that voltages, insulation, earthing and other values are within requirements.