One of the most misunderstood aspects of electrical safety is the Certificate of Compliance (CoC), sometimes referred to as an electrical inspection certificate or certificate of electrical inspection. A CoC is a legal declaration that an electrical installation was inspected and found to be compliant at the time of inspection. It is required for property sales, new installations, additions, and alterations. Insurers, buyers and authorities rely on this document as evidence of compliance.

When homeowners and tenants think about electrical safety, they often assume the responsibility starts and ends with the electrician. If something goes wrong, the thinking goes, “the electrician will be responsible.” The South African law has a different take on it. Electrical safety is a shared responsibility that is designed to protect not only the electrician, but also the property owners, users, tenants, and the public. Understanding how this responsibility is divided between the involved parties is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk, prevent fires and injuries and avoid serious legal and insurance problems.

Electrical safety is governed by law and not opinion

Electrical work in SA is regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), with the Electrical Installation Regulations setting out the specific legal requirements. These are not guidelines or recommendations; they are regulated through parliament.

Whether you are dealing with a local handyman, electrical contractors in Cape Town, or an emergency electrician after hours, all electrical work must comply with these regulations. Compliance is not about preference or workmanship style; it is about safety and legal accountability.

Responsibility of the property owner

Property owners carry the primary legal duty to ensure the property is safe to use for any reasonable purpose. Whether owners want to sell a home, rent out a property or commercial building, the owner must ensure that the electrical installation is safe and compliant and that they always have a valid an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

Importantly, this responsibility cannot be outsourced. Hiring a registered electrical contractor does not transfer legal responsibility away from the owner. If an unsafe installation causes injury, fire or damage, the owner can still be held accountable.

Responsibility of users and occupants

Users and occupants must ensure that the electrical contractors they use are properly registered and that an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is issued after all work has been completed. Unsafe installations, usually done as a quick fix through a handyman, DIY work, or the builder, can introduce new risks and liability to the user.
In rentals, this can overlap as the tenant is responsible for safe use, while the owner is responsible for the condition of the electrical installation.

Responsibility of the electrical contractor

The electrician plays a critical role in keeping electrical installations safe and without risk. A registered electrician is authorised to design, install, test and inspect all electrical work. Their responsibility lies in ensuring that any system performs and complies with the requirements set out in the regulations. This applies equally to domestic electricians, industrial electricians and electrical contractors on larger installations. The electrician’s declaration is based on testing and verification, not assumptions or visual checks alone.

This legal structure exists to protect everyone involved. Proper electrical inspections and compliance checks reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, and equipment damage. They also protect property owners during insurance claims and property transfers.

Electrical safety is not a single document or a once off event. It is a system built on shared responsibility, competent electrical work, proper inspection and informed use.
Knowing where your responsibility starts and ends is one of the most important steps in protecting people, property and peace of mind.

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