What happens during an electrical COC inspection?
When you need an electrical Certificate of Compliance, how long it is valid, and what to expect on the day of the inspection.
An electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC) confirms that the electrical installation at a property has been inspected and tested, and complies with the national wiring standard, SANS 10142-1. It is issued under the Electrical Installation Regulations, which fall under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
When do you need a COC?
- When you sell your property. The seller must provide a valid COC before transfer. A change of ownership is not allowed if the certificate is older than two years.
- After electrical work. New installations, additions and alterations need a COC for the work done. This includes new circuits for things like an EV charger or a solar system.
- For insurance. Insurers may ask for one after an electrical fire or claim.
How long is a COC valid?
For a property sale, a COC can be used for up to two years from the date it was issued, as long as no changes have been made to the electrical installation since then. If anything has been added or altered, a new certificate is needed.
What happens on the day
- Inspection. We inspect the whole electrical installation: the DB, earthing, earth leakage protection, wiring, plugs, lights and fixed appliances such as the geyser and stove.
- Testing. We test insulation, earth continuity and the earth leakage unit to make sure it trips when it should.
- Report. If anything does not comply, you get a written report listing what needs fixing.
- Quote and repairs. We quote for the repairs and do the work once you approve.
- Certificate. Once everything complies, we issue your COC.
Common reasons a property fails
- No earth leakage unit, or one that does not trip when tested
- Missing or poor earthing and bonding
- Old or damaged wiring, loose connections and exposed live parts
- A DB with missing covers or unlabelled circuits
- Unsafe DIY additions, such as extension leads wired in permanently
Good to know
An electric fence needs its own separate certificate, and gas installations are certified separately too. A COC covers the fixed electrical installation, not plug-in appliances.
Joha Oosthuizen is registered with the Department of Employment and Labour as an Electrical Tester for Single Phase (ETSP 07064) under registered electrical contractor WC 04004. See how our COC process works.
Need help with this?
Joha Oosthuizen is a registered electrical contractor (WC 04004) working across Cape Town. Free quotes.
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check with us or the relevant authority before you go ahead.