What is an Electrical Compliance Certificate or Electrical COC?
An Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is an official safety document that proves the permanent electrical wiring and installations in a property are safe and meet the legal requirements of South Africa
Think of it as a "safety report card" for your home's wiring. It confirms that a qualified professional has inspected the system and found it to be free from any immediate dangers.
Why is an Electrical CoC so Important?
There are three main reasons why you need one:
It's a Legal Requirement for Selling Property: In South Africa, you legally cannot sell your home without providing the buyer with a valid Electrical CoC. The property transfer cannot be finalised without it.
It's Essential for Insurance: If an electrical fire or damage occurs in your home, your insurance company will ask for a valid CoC. If you don't have one, or if it's outdated, they have the right to reject your claim, leaving you to cover the full cost of the damages.
It Ensures Your Safety: This is the most important reason. A CoC provides peace of mind that your home's wiring is safe, protecting your family from the risk of electric shock or fire caused by faulty installations.
It Protects Landlords and Tenants: Legally, the person using the electricity (the "user") is responsible for its safety. A rental agreement often transfers this responsibility from the landlord to the tenant. A CoC protects both parties: it proves the landlord provided a safe installation, and it ensures the tenant is not taking responsibility for pre-existing faults. Tenants should always ask for a valid CoC before signing a lease.
When Do You Need an Electrical CoC?
You need a valid CoC in these situations:
When you sell your property.
After any new electrical work is done, no matter how small (e.g., adding a new plug socket, installing an oven, or connecting a solar power system).
If you've never had one or your existing one is older than two years (as this is its maximum validity period).
What an Electrical CoC Covers (and What it Doesn't)
IT COVERS: All the permanent electrical installations. This includes the wiring in your walls and ceiling, the main distribution board (DB board), plug sockets, light fittings, and the fixed wiring to appliances like your geyser and stove.
IT DOES NOT COVER: The appliances themselves. Your CoC ensures the plug socket is safe, but it doesn't cover the TV or fridge you plug into it. It also doesn't cover easily replaceable items like light bulbs.
Who Can Issue an Electrical CoC?
Only a qualified electrician who is registered with the Department of Labour and holds a valid Wireman's License is legally authorised to perform the inspection and issue a CoC.
This is the most critical part of the process. Choosing an unqualified person will result in an invalid certificate, leaving you uninsured and at risk. That’s why it's always best to work with a trusted, professional company.
If you are a homeowner or agent in Cape Town, our team at Doss is fully qualified and has been providing valid, reliable COCs for over 40 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
We make the entire process simple and hassle-free.
For Homeowners: You can book your inspection directly through our Owner Request Form.
For Estate Agents: We have a dedicated portal for your convenience here: Agent Request Form.
If you have any questions first, you can also give our friendly team a call at 📞 +27 (0) 21-790-4750.
