Electrical Certificates Electrical Certificates Q&AQ&A

When is an electrical certificate necessary?

Who must comply?

Why is an electrical compliance certificate necessary?

Is an old certificate sufficient?

What costs are involved in obtaining anelectrical compliance certificate?

If you are the owner of an electrical installation, you will need to have an applicable electrical certificate for it. Keep in mind that electrical currents are prone to leaks (similar to water and gas). The compliance certificate will show that an earth leakage relay is up to standard and will trip and disconnect from the current flow if a leakage (either directly or indirectly into the earth) is detected, or when a specific current value is exceeded.

Compliance is a legal requirement. Electrical compliance certificates are issued every time a property is sold. To prevent harm to property or lives, compliance is necessary, since electricity can be extremely hazardous and faulty installations may lead to electrocution.

No. There are many factors that can contribute to the wear and tear of electrical equipment, potentially placing people or property in danger. The property buyer also cannot place their unwavering faith in the seller’s word that installations have not been amended or have been maintained.

A consultation fee is paid to the inspector, however the certificate itself should not come at an additional fee. Additional fees are only applicable in the case of failure to comply.

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An electricity certificate is a document required when an electrical installation on the property is meant for use by either the user or lessor. It verifies that the electrical installations in the home legally comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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Electrical Certificates Q&A

What is checked during the electrical inspection?

What elements are not included in theelectrical compliance inspection?

Every part of the electrical system must be inspected by a registered inspector. This includes the main distribution board, all wall plugs, light fittings, and light switches, among others:

• Main boards: Connections, cable sizes, earth leakage operation, circuit breakers, and labelling must be inspected to verify their condition.

• Plugs and switches: Plugs and switches may not have worn contacts, must be wired correctly, and be secure. Tests are also conducted to ensure that they are properly earthed if made of metal.

• Fixed appliances: How they function within the electrical system must comply with electrical current standards, while items (such as lights) that have exposed metal must be properly earthed.

• Electrical point positioning: The positioning of the electrical points should not be close to any water sources.

• Wiring: Your electrical installation must use wiring that is of the correct type and rating.

• Insulation: An insulation test must be conducted to assess the security of the electrical installation.

• Temporary installations and other devices: Temporary installations must be installed in a way that is permanently viable, while any other installed devices (of approved types) must be rated and installed correctly.

During the inspection, all spaces must be investigated, whether inside or outside of the main building – spaces like the garage, Wendy house, roof, etc. are thus included. The inspector will need all appliances to be unplugged and will need to disable the main power supply at times during the inspection. All appliances are plugged in once the inspection is completed.

An Electrical Compliance Certificate is only issued if the electrical installation is fully compliant.

• An electrical compliance inspection is not a servicing or upgrading of the electrical installation. Any upgrades or reasonable maintenance must be done before the inspection. The Electrical Compliance Certificate merely states that the existing system is safe.

• Physical appliances are not assessed, merely their connection points.

• Clearly temporary installations are not assessed for the purposes of the Electrical Compliance Certificate

• Electrical work that is not required for the purposes of the inspection.

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Electrical Certificates Q&A

How long does the certificate remain valid?

What procedure exists for obtaining an electrical compliance certificate?

A compliance certificate has been issued: Why might you experience tripping problems?

What legal requirements relate to theelectrical installation regulations?

An Electrical Compliance Certificate is only valid for a maximum of two years (if no alterations or upgrades are made to the electrical installation) after which a new certificate must be obtained.

Before selling, the seller, estate agent, or transferring attorney may request an inspection to be conducted for an Electrical Compliance Certificate. The fees and/or payment options are explained by the inspector before the inspection is conducted. Once the testing has been completed and no problems are identified, a certificate of compliance can be issued. If a fault exists, it will need to be resolved before the Electrical Compliance Certificate is issued.

• Following an inspection, the earth leakage relay may be operational and trip accordingly when parts that should be earthed are earthed.

• It may be in the course of regular events that the electrical installation is protecting you from some hazard.

• A faulty appliance or circuit may cause issues.

• An old appliance may be used that is incompatible with the installation (and thus the installation may require upgrading)

• Lessors or users must have a certificate for their electrical installations.

• Certificates may only be issued by a registered inspector.

• If the inspector finds a fault in the electrical installation, they may withhold the certificate until the fault has been resolved.

• When an electrical installation is made, the person who installed the electrical system must ensure that a valid certificate is issued for the work done.

• Unless an electrical installation has been inspected, tested, and certified, nobody may connect it to the electricity supply.

• Additions or alterations to any electrical installation must, at the very least, ensure that a compliance certificate has been issued for the alterations or additions.

• A change of ownership is not lawful if more than two years have passed since the issuing of the last certificate.

• The Electrical Compliance Certificate must be accompanied with a test report that has been approved by the chief inspector.

• Insurance companies will always require a certificate of compliance before issuing a new policy.