Cost of Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC) in South Africa
| Average Cost of Electrical Certificate of Compliance | R850 to R1,500 |
| Budget Cost of Electrical Certificate of Compliance | R600 or less |
| High-End Cost of Electrical Certificate of Compliance | R2,500+ (for larger properties or those requiring extensive repairs) |
- These prices above are estimates and can vary
The cost of obtaining an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC) typically ranges from R850 to R1,500, depending on the size and condition of the property. For small properties or installations with minimal compliance issues, you may pay as little as R600. On the other hand, for larger properties or electrical systems needing repairs or upgrades to meet legal standards, costs can exceed R2,500.
Estimated Costs Associated with Obtaining an Electrical COC
- Basic electrical inspection fee: R600 - R1,500
- Repair costs (if required): R300 - R2,000+ depending on the extent of repairs
- Replacement of electrical components: R200 - R800 (e.g., circuit breakers, wiring)
- Testing equipment costs (if hired): R150 - R500
- Transportation of materials: R100 - R300
- Call-out fee (if applicable): R350 - R750
What is the Process for Obtaining an Electrical Certificate of Compliance?
- Inspection of the Electrical Installation: A qualified electrician inspects the property's electrical wiring, ensuring it complies with the South African National Standards (SANS 10142).
- Identification of Deficiencies: The electrician will document any areas that do not comply, such as faulty wiring, improper connections, or outdated components.
- Repair Work (if needed): If the installation is not up to standard, repairs must be carried out to rectify any issues before certification.
- Issuance of the Certificate: Once everything is compliant, the electrician will issue the Electrical Certificate of Compliance, valid for two years.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Obtain an Electrical COC?
- Standard inspection: 1-3 hours
- Minor repairs and corrections: 2-4 hours
- Major electrical work: 1-2 days, depending on the complexity
- Issuing the certificate: Once the inspection and repairs are complete, the certificate is usually issued immediately or within 24 hours.
DIY - Can You Inspect or Issue Your Own Electrical COC?
No, only qualified, registered electricians can issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance in South Africa. Electrical inspections and certifications must adhere to national standards, and it’s illegal to conduct or sign off on your own property’s COC unless you are a registered professional.
Get Free Electrical COC Quotes
When Should You Get Professional Help?
- Selling a property: A valid COC is required when transferring ownership.
- Renovations or additions: New electrical installations or upgrades require certification to ensure safety and compliance.
- Home insurance claims: In the case of electrical-related damage, insurers often require a valid COC.
- Safety concerns: If you notice flickering lights, tripping breakers, or other electrical issues, it's important to have a professional inspect and issue a COC.
How to Save Money on Obtaining an Electrical COC?
- Compare quotes from multiple electricians to get the best rate.
- Bundle services: If you're doing a renovation, include the COC in your overall project plan to potentially reduce call-out fees.
- Perform regular maintenance on your electrical system to avoid extensive repairs at the time of inspection.
How to Find the Right Pro to Issue My Electrical COC?
For a stress-free obtaining of Electrical COC, look no further than Kandua. By posting a job with Kandua, you can relax knowing you'll be connected with and receive quotes from affordable, vetted and top rated Pros who can efficiently handle any task.
Now that you have a better understanding of Electrical COC prices – it’s time to find the best Pro for the job.
Luckily for you – Kandua has hundreds of Pros who issue Electrical Certificates of Compliance on a daily basis.
Here are our top tips to help you find the right Pro for the job:
- Give the contractor as much information as possible. The more details they have the more efficiently they can quote on the job and also offer their professional advice.
- Once you’ve gotten quotes from different Pros – you can look up their profiles on Kandua and read their reviews and see pictures of their work.
- Read the quote carefully. Make sure you double-check everything so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option. Stick to these tips, and take into account the entire package, Pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them and then, of course, the cost.
These figures are approximate and may not accurately reflect current prices in South Africa. Click here for free, non-obligatory, up-to-date, location-specific quotes for Electrical COCs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical COC
Q: How long is an Electrical Certificate of Compliance valid for?
A: An Electrical COC is valid for two years, provided there are no changes or modifications made to the electrical installation during that period.
Q: Do I need an Electrical COC if I'm renting out my property?
A: While it's not legally required when renting, having a valid COC is highly recommended as it guarantees the electrical system is safe for tenants.
Q: Can I sell my house without an Electrical Certificate of Compliance?
A: No, a valid Electrical COC is required by law for the transfer of property ownership in South Africa. Without it, you cannot finalise the sale.
Q: What happens if my property fails the electrical inspection?
A: If your property doesn’t pass the electrical inspection, you'll need to carry out the necessary repairs to bring the installation up to standard before a COC can be issued.
Q: How often should I get my electrical system inspected?
A: It’s recommended to have your electrical system inspected every five years, or more frequently if you notice any issues like tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, or outlets not working.
Q: Can an expired COC be renewed?
A: No, a new COC must be obtained every two years or whenever electrical work is done. An expired COC is not valid, and a fresh inspection is needed.
Q: What does the electrical inspection cover?
A: The electrical inspection covers the overall condition of the wiring, distribution boards, switches, sockets, earthing, and bonding to ensure that they comply with the South African National Standards (SANS 10142). It also checks whether the electrical system is safe and free from potential hazards.
Q: Do I need a new COC if I’ve only made minor electrical changes?
A: Yes, any electrical work, no matter how minor, requires a new Electrical COC to ensure the installation remains compliant with safety standards. This includes small updates like adding a plug point or light fixture.
Q: Is an Electrical COC necessary for solar power installations?
A: Yes, any electrical work, including solar installations, requires a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance. This ensures that the solar system is installed safely and complies with the national electrical standards.
Q: Who is responsible for obtaining the Electrical COC when selling a property?
A: The seller of the property is responsible for obtaining and providing a valid Electrical COC as part of the property transfer process. This ensures the electrical system is safe for the new owner.
Q: What happens if I don’t have an Electrical Certificate of Compliance?
A: Without a valid Electrical COC, you cannot sell your property or make an insurance claim for electrical-related damages. Additionally, it is illegal to operate an unsafe electrical installation, which could result in penalties or legal liability if an accident occurs.
