Dear HOMEOWNER,
As a user of electricity, you are legally responsible for ensuring the safety and safekeeping of your home’s electrical installation. If you undertake any electrical installation work, you are required by law to have the electrical work performed by a registered electrical contractor who will inspect and test the installation after completion. Only a registered person may issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) once they verify that the work complies with the Wiring Code (SANS 10142–1).
WHEN IS A CoC REQUIRED?
Every user of an electrical installation shall have a valid initial and or supplementary CoC:
- For any new electrical installation, an initial CoC is required.
- A supplementary CoC when alterations and/or additions and/or modifications are made to an existing installation (if there is an initial CoC in place).
- The CoC may not be older than 2 years in the case of change of ownership, otherwise a new CoC is required.
AVOID UNQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS
Do not use a builder, handyman, plumber, DIY enthusiast, or unlicensed contractor for electrical work. These individuals are not legally permitted to perform electrical installations or issue a CoC.
EMPLOY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
By law, anyone conducting electrical installation work must be registered with the Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL), and this registration must be renewed annually.
Before hiring an electrical contractor, request:
- Proof of electrical contractor registration with DOEL
- Proof of registered person status with DOEL
- Proof of membership with the Electrical Contractors’ Association of South Africa (ECA(SA))
WHAT IF THINGS GO WRONG?
Standard public liability insurance does not cover poor workmanship by the contractor. This could leave you with costly, unsafe, or non-compliant work and little recourse.
HOW TO MAKE USE OF THE ECA(SA) WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEE SCHEME
GOOD NEWS: If you hire a contractor who is a member of ECA(SA), you’re protected. The Workmanship Guarantee Scheme covers the cost of corrective work up to R20,000 per contract. The aim of the Workmanship Guarantee Scheme is to provide YOU, the end-user with peace of mind knowing that the ECA(SA)’s members are committed to providing legally compliant work.
Benefits include:
- A 12-month guarantee on workmanship
- Transferability of the guarantee if you sell your home
- Peace of mind knowing the contractor’s work complies with legal standards
Exclusions:
- repair of appliances
- defective materials
- any occurrence covered by public liability insurance
- incomplete works or work not paid for by the homeowner/client
DISPUTE AGAINST AN ECA MEMBER CONTRACTOR
In case of a dispute, first contact the ECA(SA) member contractor. If there is no remedial action by the contractor within 5 working days, report the matter to your nearest ECA(SA) regional office. If your claim is valid (i.e. the workmanship does not conform to the installation code) after an ECA investigation and you have paid the contractor, ECA(SA) will arrange for the work to be corrected at no cost to yourself, and if is not carried out OR is carried out but not in compliance with the installation code, a claim may be instituted for up to a maximum value of R20 000, on condition that you have paid the contractor for the work done. The ECA shall follow its internal protocols for endorsement of the claim.
MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
Only CoCs issued by compliant, registered electrical contractors are legally recognised. Ensure your contractor is an ECA(SA) member, look for the ‘hands of safety’ logo on their vehicles and quotes.
Make sure that your electrical contractor is a member of the ECA(SA) – their work is guaranteed, and they will display the ECA(SA)’s ‘hands of safety’ logo on quotations and on their vehicles.
Visit our website at www.ecasa.co.za to verify that your electrical contractor is a member of the ECA(SA) or to find an ECA(SA) member. Alternatively, contact one of the ECA(SA)’s regional offices in the area you reside, for more information.
Stay compliant. Stay safe. Hire an ECA(SA) member contractor TODAY.
