By Anthony Schewitz, ECA(SA) Regional Director, Highveld
After the SABS published the new SANS 10142-1:2020 Edition 3 at the end of July 2020, much talk centred around flexible cords, the new socket outlets and the new one-page test report.
In short, the CoC/test report has been revamped and is now a single sheet A4 document – it’s simpler and more straightforward and some of the confusing parts have been removed or clarified.
The ECA has had many queries about the differences between the two new certificates and the applications thereof.
First, it is very important to note that both the old and the new CoC/Test reports can be used until July 2021, after which the new certificate will be the only acceptable format.
This is clarified in the foreword of SANS 10142-1:2020 Edition 3
- This document was approved for publication in July 2020.
- This document supersedes SANS 10142-1:2017 (edition 2)
- The test report in edition 2 may be used in parallel with the test report in edition 3 for a period of 12 months from the date of publication of edition 3.
What has changed?
A major change is the removal of some duplications that stemmed from the Electrical Installation Regulations. In addition, the single page CoC/test report has been divided into two parts: regular electrical of compliance and sub reticulation.
The reticulation certificate is blue while the standard certificate is yellow.
When is the yellow CoC used?
The yellow CoC/test report is used for all electrical installations between the point of control and the point of consumption inside a user’s electrical installation. This certificate is for all general installation work, such as extensions or modifications, CoCs issued when property is sold or transferred, and similar work done between the point of consumption and the point of control.
When is the blue CoC used?
In simple terms, this certificate is intended for sub-reticulation systems as per the requirements of Clause 7.16 of SANS 10142-1, which covers the installation between the council supply and the user – so if you are conducting reticulation work in a complex, this certificate would be completed for the common area. Now, the reticulation certificate is linked to the works in 7.16 which gives guidance on the limitations. Where any overlapping instances are encountered, it would be best to keep within the guidelines of the following clauses, however, if in doubt, contact your local ECA office for assistance.
SANS 10142-1 Edition 3
7.16 Distribution systems as part of an electrical installation
(Secondary supply network or distribution system)
NOTE 1 This clause applies only to the distribution systems of electrical installations that form part of an installation where electricity is distributed by a landlord, body corporate or home owners’ association in the case of housing complexes, and a landlord or centre management in the case of industrial or commercial premises, or similar.
NOTE 2 Generally bulk electricity is purchased from the supplier and distributed via this distribution system to the points of control of such installations where users can switch off the power. The consumption of each end user is metered by the landlord, body corporate, home owners’ association or management, as the case shall be, who then charges each user.
7.16.1 GeneralThe distribution system is that part of the installation between the point of control connected to the point of supply where electricity is supplied by the supply authority, and the point of control of any particular electrical installation
connected thereto, whether it is a specific user or a communal installation, where the user of that particular installation can switch it off.
As an example, the illustration above shows:
- Eskom Council feeds to the boundary (orange)
- The kiosk and reticulation is the responsibility of the body corporate etc (blue)
- The user is responsible for his/her home in the environment. (black houses)
Hazardous and medical locations
Hazardous and medical environments each has its own additional documents that would have to be added to the certificate and signed by the MIE. These documents can be ordered from the ECA.
What about the electronic CoC?
The electronic CoC system is currently being upgraded and will be released towards the end of 2020 and members will be informed once the eCoC is available. Users have the option to issue the old or new certificates until 1 August 2021 thereafter only the new eCoC may be issued.
Conveyancers
Some conveyancers may be unaware of the new CoC and may refuse to accept it – in this case, these conveyancers should contact their local ECA office for verification and clarity about the new requirements. The ECA has published an article on the Association’s website to inform conveyancers and transferring attorneys about the new format of the CoC and the period that the old CoC will remain valid.
Where can I buy the new CoCs?
The new CoCs are available from the ECA’s regional offices and vendors, however this will only be once the remaining stock of old format CoCs have all been sold.
Reticulation Certificate are available in packs of 20 at R70 for members and R90 for non-members.
The standard CoCs come in packs of 20 and are sold at R70 for members and R90 for non-members.
More info: Your local ECA office
Email: info@ecasa.co.za
Website: www.ecasa.co.za
