One of the most common disputes during property transfers in South Africa starts with a simple observation: “A light doesn’t work, how could a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) have been issued?”.
At first glance, the answer seems obvious. If part of the electrical installation is not functioning, many assume the installation automatically fails compliance. However, the reality is more nuanced and requires a clear understanding of what a CoC actually certifies.
What does a CoC actually cover or what does the electrician certify?
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a statutory declaration that an electrical installation complies with the Electrical Installation Regulations (Regulation 5(1)) and the applicable wiring standards (SANS 10142-1) at the specific time of inspection.
When an electrician assesses a site, they are primarily focused on:
- Safety and protection against electric shock and fire.
- Correct installation methods and the suitability of conductors.
- Proper operation of protective devices (such as earth leakages and circuit breakers).
- Overall compliance of the fixed installation.
The CoC is focused on the permanent installation itself. It is not intended to operate as a blanket maintenance agreement covering every consumable component indefinitely after a property transfer.
The Critical Distinction: Globe vs Fitting.
This distinction is where most disputes begin. In the electrical industry, there is a major difference between a failed lamp (globe) and a defective light fitting or circuit.
- The Globe: A globe is a consumable item. It can fail at any time – even minutes after an inspection has been concluded.
- The Installation: The fitting and the circuit behind it form part of the electrical installation and must comply with safety standards.
An electrician is responsible for ensuring the circuit and fitting are electrically sound. This includes verifying:
- Correct polarity and terminations.
- Functional switching and proper earthing.
- Safe wiring methods and circuit protection.
If the circuit is safe and the fitting is sound, but the lamp itself has failed, it does not automatically mean the installation is unsafe or that the CoC is invalid.
The Value of Documentation.
In practice, electricians frequently encounter blown globes, missing lamps, or inaccessible fittings. While the regulations do not explicitly state that every individual lamp must illuminate for a CoC to be valid, the electrician is expected to exercise reasonable professional care.
Two minutes of paperwork can prevent two weeks of disputes.
If a fitting cannot be fully verified due to a defective lamp, it should be recorded clearly on the test report. Examples of clear documentation include:
- "Light fitting tested, globe defective."
- "No globe installed at time of inspection; circuit operational."
- "Client elected not to replace defective lamp."
Without these notes, disputes months later become subjective and difficult to defend.
Is a CoC a Warranty?
Confusion often arises when clients treat a CoC as a guarantee that every electrical item will continue functioning perfectly after transfer.
Legally, a CoC confirms the condition of the installation at the time of inspection, not the future performance of consumable items. However, the Consumer Protection Act (Section 55) does state that consumers are entitled to goods that are in working order and free of defects.
While this creates a reasonable expectation for a purchaser that light fittings should work, it does not transform the CoC into a blanket warranty for globes. A failed globe alone does not prove that an inspection was negligent or that the installation is unsafe.
The Real Risk for Property Owners.
A failed globe is often a minor issue, but it can become a trigger for a client to investigate further. If that investigation uncovers genuine safety defects that were missed, the validity of the entire CoC comes into question.
This is why inspections should never be a "paperwork-only" exercise. A professional audit must include visual assessment, physical testing, and clear documentation of all observations.
How EAIBSA Can Help.
As an Approved Inspection Authority (AIA), EAIBSA provides an objective, third-party assessment of electrical installations. We move beyond the dispute of a "blown globe" to assess the actual technical safety and compliance of the installation.
If you are involved in a dispute regarding the validity of a CoC or the safety of a new installation, EAIBSA provides the accredited technical reporting needed to settle the matter with facts.
Need an independent compliance audit? Contact EAIBSA today for professional verification services across South Africa.