Articles - Electrical Compliance Certificate

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Electrical Compliance Certificate

According to the Occupational Health and

Safety Act Code of Practice for the Wiring of

Premises, you, as the user or owner of an

electrical installation (property) should have a

valid Certificate of Compliance.

The term electrical installation refers to all

wiring, distribution boards, socket outlets,

light points and switches, and all other items

required to electrity a property.

The Act states that it is incumbent on you to

have a Certificate of Compliance and, whilst

the duty is on you to have such certificate,

only an accredited person (registered

electrician ) may issue such certificate. The

registered electrician will be, or employ, an accredited person who has the necessary training to test and inspect the installation, effect any remedial work that may be necessary, and then issue the Certificate of Compliance.

In order to ensure that any property is compliant, the accredited person has to perform a thorough inspection and tests to ensure that the integrity of the installation is intact, it complies with the applicable safety standard and that it is safe for the user.

If any faults are found, good practice suggests that such contractor advise you of the necessary repairs required in order that certification may take place.

The Act also states that a Certificate of Compliance will need to be issues when there is a transfer of any property. In the absence of any agreement to the contrary it is incumbent upon the seller to provide such certificate. However, the seller and buyer may in turn come to an agreement in writing whereby the buyer undertakes the responsibility of obtaining such certificate.

It is important to note that there is no prescribed period of validity for a Certificate of Compliance, although many estate agents insist that a new certificate be handed over at the transfer stage.

What is the cost involved?

This varies greatly depending on the size of the installation, the complexity of the installation and the necessity to effect repairs in order to make the installation compliant. A Certificate of Compliance for a small dwelling with an installation that is in good order may be a few hundred Rands.