Certificates of Compliance Explained

The seller generally responsible for providing the buyer of their property with Valid Certificates of Compliance. Some of these certificates have been a requirement for many years, already, but some new ones have been added more recently.

COC Express(Pty)Ltd issues the following Certificates of Compliance (COC):

  • ⦁ Electrical Certificates of Compliance (COC):Domestic, Commercial & Industrial
  • ⦁ LP Gas Certificates of Compliance (COC): Domestic & Commercial
  • ⦁ Electrical Fence Certificates of Compliance (COC)
  • ⦁ Plumbing Certificates of Compliance (COC)


This means that all properties will normally require a minimum of two certificates and in some case as many as four(4) in order to effect a change of ownership.

Electrical Inspections

The Electrical Inspection is by far the most complicated of the five involving not just an entire book of regulations, SANS10142-1: 2020, but also includes the occupational health and safety act, and of course these regulations change from time to time.

The first thing to know is that this certificate covers the electrical “installation” from the point where the mains supply cable enters the premises, generally the top of the Main Switch to the point of consumption, generally described as a plug socket or where the wires connect to a fixed appliance.

The certificate does NOT include appliances fixed or free standing, only the correctness of how these devices are connected to the installation. Fixes appliances include things like, stove, geyser, pool & pond pumps, aircon units, garage and gate motors, pool lights etc. The electrical regulation is primarily concerned with correctness and safety of your electrical Installation and that everything that forms part of the installation is in good working order.

We inspect the following Electrical items:

  • ⦁ The mains boards, correct connections, correct cable sizes, correct circuit breakers and labelling, Earth leakage operation. That all items and covers are properly secured etc
  • ⦁ Check that all plugs and switches work correctly with no worn contacts, are wired correctly, secure, and if metal are correctly bonded/Earthed
  • ⦁ All fixed appliances, including lights that have exposed metal need to be earthed correctly.
  • ⦁ Ensure that all fixed appliances have been connected to the installation by approved means, which varies depending on the type of appliance and the current it draws.
  • ⦁ We do an insulation test, PSC, Loop & Voltage tests.
  • ⦁ Check all wiring to ensure it’s correctly rated, colour coded correctly and the correct type for its application.
  • ⦁ Each room must have at least one working light, and the correct type for the room it is in, enclosed light fittings in bathrooms.
  • ⦁ We check to make sure that no electrical points, switches or lights are in illegal positions, not close to shower, baths, pools, etc.
  • ⦁ We need to ensure that all devices in the installation are correctly rated, installed and of approved types.
  • ⦁ Even temporary installations, which have been installed in a manner that would imply they are permanent, need to comply with regulations. You cannot extend the lead on a fixed appliance to the nearest plug point you must extend the plug circuit to the appliance.


Our Electrical division specializes in all electrical services or any of your electrical requirements

We do all electrical work both commercial and residential from lighting to power planning. We also do general electrical work such as the repair of stoves, electrical wiring for home renovations as well electrical certificates.

  • ⦁ Domestic Work
  • ⦁ DB Boards Rewiring
  • ⦁ Generator & UPS Change over Switches
  • ⦁ Electrical Maintenance
  • ⦁ General Electrician
  • ⦁ Lighting or Low Energy upgrades & Installations
  • ⦁ Rewiring
  • ⦁ Wiring of Houses and Buidlings
  • ⦁ Generator Sales and installations
  • ⦁ Industrial Electrical Maintenance
  • ⦁ Streetlights installations and maintenance
  • ⦁ Wiring of facilities
  • ⦁ Medium to low Voltage Systems
  • ⦁ Generator Back up power
  • ⦁ Change over switching for generators
  • ⦁ Inverter Back up power
  • ⦁ UPS Back up power
  • ⦁ Plugs, sockets and lights
  • ⦁ Cabling and Trunking
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of Single phase DB Boxes
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of 3(Three) phase DB Boxes
  • ⦁ Installation of wire ways (Steel, PVC & Trunking)
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of plug sockets and light switches
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of lights (Florescent, Down Lighters & Transformers)
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring for 220V & 380V motors
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of Geyser elements & Thermostats
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of gate motors, Stove Isolators, Isolators for Air-Conditioners, Cold rooms & Freezer rooms, Timers
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of Star/Delta Motors
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring od Industrial Switch gear
  • ⦁ Installation & Wiring of two way light switching & Intermediate switching
  • ⦁ Installation, jointing and termination of Medium Voltage and Low Voltage cables
  • ⦁ Inspection of facilities and issuing of Certificates of Compliance (COC) - (Domestic, Commercial & Industrial)
  • ⦁ Solar Energy
  • ⦁ New Electrical Installations (Domestic, Commercial & Industrial)
  • ⦁ Electrical turnkey projects
  • ⦁ Lightning protection
  • ⦁ Security lighting/ automated
  • ⦁ LED lighting
  • ⦁ Energy saving audits
  • ⦁ Alternative power – Inverters – solar
  • ⦁ Power/ elect bill reductions
  • ⦁ Power saving installations
  • ⦁ Energy saving programme.
  • ⦁ All installations comply with ECA and SABS 10142 regulations
  • ⦁ Emergency Lighting

Water Installation

Certificate of Compliance for Water Installations is the official name NOT plumbing certificate as it has been known. This certificate was introduced by the City if Cape Town for the purpose of persevering and conserving our precious water supply. It actually has very little to do with the general state if your overall pluming.

There are only seven points that the plumber is required to check:

  • ⦁ The hot water cylinder complies with SANS 10252 and 10254
  • ⦁ There are no water leaks on the property
  • ⦁ Water pipes and terminal fittings are correctly fixed in position
  • ⦁ No storm water in discharged into the sewerage system
  • ⦁ There is no cross connection between the potable supply and any grey water or groundwater system which may be installed
  • ⦁ The Private isolating valve is in place and functioning properly
  • ⦁ Solar Geysers/Geyser/Heat pumps are correctly installed & Compliant


Potential buyers need to be aware of limits of this certificate and do their normal due diligence when viewing properties. Check water pressure, hot and cold, poor water pressure could be a low pressure geyser on hot water or poor supply on cold water. Check that all drains are free flowing; blocked drains are a normal maintenance issue. We will make sure that all taps and fittings are properly secure and do not leak in the OFF position, but we do not replace taps or fitting simply because they are physically broken or in poor condition.

LP GAS INSPECTIONS

We perform inspections of LP gas pipeline installations in order to certify their compliance with the SABS Regulations for LP gas installations (SANS 10087 – 1:2008).A Certificate of Conformity will be issued for those installations that fully comply

An inspection comprises of the following aspects:

  • ⦁ Cylinder storage to comply with safety zones
  • ⦁ SABS approved piping used installed in the correct manner
  • ⦁ The installation of isolation and emergency valves
  • ⦁ Adequate ventilation at cylinder and inside rooms
  • ⦁ If SABS approved appliances are connected to the reticulation system
  • ⦁ A pressure leak test to establish the system continuity
  • ⦁ Correct equipment is installed and that it is registered with the LP Gas Association


LP Gas Installations

We perform inspections on the Electrical Fence installations to certify the installation is compliant as per SANS Regulations SANS 10087-1

We specialise in the following LP Gas Installations and Issuing of LP Gas Certificates:

  • ⦁ Residential LP Gas installations
  • ⦁ Commercial LP Gas installations


Gas installations for which a COC are required would include the following equipment:

  • ⦁ Built in gas fires or braai’s
  • ⦁ Gas stoves (4 Plate, 5 Plate & 6 Plate)
  • ⦁ Hot water systems & Gas Geysers
  • ⦁ Pizza ovens
  • ⦁ LP Gas Generators
  • ⦁ Gas Hobs
  • ⦁ Fire places
  • ⦁ Boiling tables


External Installation: Gas cylinders, stored outside and piped to the appliance(s)

The drawing below indicates the minimum requirements with regard to storage of cylinders. Special care must be taken when deciding on the location for the cylinder storage. drawing below indicates the minimum requirements with regard to storage of cylinders



Outside gas bottle installation.

  • ⦁ Any Electric Motor or Switch Box must be a minimum of 5m away from the cylinder storage area.
  • ⦁ Specialized piping must be used when building the gas pipeline. Normal plumbing piping may not be used.
  • ⦁ Warning signs & Shut off Valves signs must be installed
  • ⦁ Where pipes are concealed (running through walls or under floor) special care must be taken to ensure compliance to set regulations. No joints are allowed in any concealed location.
  • ⦁ The use of specialized flexible hose is limited to 2m.
  • ⦁ Gas cylinders may NOT be stored in a garage.
  • ⦁ Ventilation to the area where the cylinders are stored is key.
  • ⦁ All materials and appliances used and installed must be SABS and SANS approved.
  • ⦁ Cylinders must be stored on a leveled surface.
  • ⦁ Special care must be taken to secure the cylinders. This can be done by means on a chain system or the use of a gas cage.
  • ⦁ Thatch Roof House: A separate set of rules applies to the storage of Gas Cylinders on site which is applicable to Thatch roof homes. Similar to the above, except that the gas cylinders must be stored behind a purpose built fire wall. The cylinder storage must not be closer than 3m from the roof edge


Internal Insatllation: Single cylinder, inside the kitchen to the appliance(s):

The type of installation is more cost effective and cheaper. Small installation with minimum pipe run. Some regulatory requirements must however be considered:

  • ⦁ Rubber pipe (Orange hose) may not pass through any partition, a Brass Cupboard bush must be used
  • ⦁ Spacing of plug points may not be above the Gas hob
  • ⦁ Allowance for airflow through the cupboard
  • ⦁ Service and shut off valves must be allowed for
  • ⦁ Airflow or ventilation for any indoor installation is critical
  • ⦁ Warning signs & Shut off Valves signs must be installed
  • ⦁ Below is a basic drawing of the requirements linked to an indoor installation


Outside gas bottle installation.

Electric Fence Inspections

We perform inspections on the Electrical Fence installations to certify the installation is compliant as per SANS Regulations (SANS 10222-3:2011). A Certificate of Conformity will be issued for those installations that fully comply

An inspection comprises of the following aspects:

  • ⦁ Wall Height: Minimum wall height of private property to be secured - 1.5 metres
  • ⦁ Bracket: Upright brackets may be used without any height restriction
  • ⦁ Angled brackets: Brackets can be angled at no more than 45 degrees out and are to be installed on the inside of the boundary wall
  • ⦁ Brackets are 3m apart
  • ⦁ Earth spikes are installed every 30 metres
  • ⦁ Lightning Protection is installed with 3 x Additional Earth Spikes
  • ⦁ All HT Cable is Installed conduit with Junction Boxes
  • ⦁ Correct Height of the Energiser
  • ⦁ Warning Signs: Electric fencing installed along a public road or pathway shall be securely identified with YELLOW WARNING SIGNS (100 x 200 cm) at intervals not exceeding 10 meters. All gates and access points to have warning signs
  • ⦁ Electrified Gates: To be capable of being opened/ closed without the person receiving shock.
  • ⦁ Neighbours: It is not permissible to angle brackets into a neighbour’s property without their knowledge or consent.
  • ⦁ Hazard: Electrified fences are to be installed and operated so that they cause electrical hazard or entanglement to persons or animals.
  • ⦁ Barbed wire or razor wire: These shall not be electrified by and energiser.


These are just some of the more basic regulations concerning domestic installations.

Certification Process

We trust that we have answered many of your questions and hopefully given you a better understanding and appreciation of the purpose behind these inspections.

What is the process when requiring these certificates?

You, or your agent even your transferring attorney can request that we perform these inspections for you. Once we have received the request on our CRM System a quotation will be sent for approval, once the client has accepted our quotation we need the following documentation before a inspection will be booked:

  • ⦁ Copy of the Municipal account
  • ⦁ Copy of the Signed quotation
  • ⦁Full proof of payment


Unfortunately, we receive no government sponsorship and the seller bears the cost of the inspections.The inspection fees are a consultation fee and are due and payable irrespective of the outcome of our inspection.

The inspections have two possible outcomes, everything is clear and within regulation, if this is the case we will issue the certificate at no additional cost above the inspection fees.

Should the installation not be compliant or within regulation we will issue you a report, with a quote, photos and a report will be sent within 24 Hours on the necessary rectifications.

At this point you may decide to accept our quotation after which we will affect the necessary rectifications and issue the certificate OR You may decide to rather not accept our quotation and make use of another company to affect the repairs AND issue you your certificate.

We cannot issue certificates on the work of other as it is also a guarantee of workmanship and material. If you do decide to make use of another company please ensure that they are qualified and capable of issuing you with a certificate, they may also charge you an inspection fee, leaving you liable for two inspection fees.

Certification Process

We trust that we have answered many of your questions and hopefully given you a better understanding and appreciation of the purpose behind these inspections.

What is the process when requiring these certificates?

You, or your agent even your transferring attorney can request that we perform these inspections for you.

Once we receive the request we will contact the seller, who is generally responsible for the costs involved, to get their permission and make the necessary arrangement to perform the inspections. Unfortunately, we receive no government sponsorship and the seller bears the cost of the inspections.

The inspection fees are a consultation fee and are due and payable irrespective of the outcome of our inspection.

We do offer a discount for immediate settlement on these fees; alternatively, we can send an invoice to you transferring attorney who will settle the account on transfer from the proceeds of your sales.

The inspections have two possible outcomes, everything is clear and within regulation, if this is the case we will issue the certificate at no additional cost above the inspection fees.

Should the installation not be clear or within regulation we will issue you a report, with a quote on the necessary rectifications.

At this point you may decide to accept our quotation after which we will affect the necessary rectifications and issue the certificate OR You may decide to rather not accept our quotation and make use of another company to affect the repairs AND issue you your certificate. (We cannot issue certificates on the work of other as it is also a guarantee of workmanship and material) If you do decide to make use of another company please ensure that they are qualified and capable of issuing you with a certificate, they may also charge you an inspection fee, leaving you liable for two inspection fees.