Electrical Services

Our Services to You

• Test and Repairs for Certificates of Compliance

  Alcocks had introduced the electrical division as a solution for property professionals who needed the added services for the issuing of the ECB Electrical COC’s (Certificates of Compliance). We in fact provided a one stop shop for the issuing of both required certificates.

  We do a full electrical inspection as well as any repairs that may be necessary for the certificate to be issued.

  We also ensure that the estate agents and transferring attorneys have their required copies.

• New Electrical Installations in Construction

  Alcocks also does installation in construction which includes electrical installations on containers at site or to the structure under construction.

• Alterations and Additions

  We do electrical installations on alterations and renovations and we are able to issue a COC on the work we have done.

• Maintenance and Repairs

  Our maintenance and repairs teams are available to domestic clients for fitments as well as repairs and maintenance of homes, as well as offering a broad spectrum of services to commercial and industrial clients.

  Our electrical division also offers thermo scans or infra-red scanning and reporting of hotspots on DB boards.

Electrical Certificate of Compliance

Tips and General Information

Tests for Electrical Certificates of Compliance is a speciality of Alcocks Electrical Services.

The following list of tips and general information is designed to help our clients reduce common problems and misperceptions experienced in this field.

Tips for the seller

Tips for the purchaser

General information

For the seller:

• Never use a contractor who is not registered with the Electrical Contractors’ Board. It pays to use a reputable company. There are serious implications if an invalid certificate is issued.
• A charge is levied for the inspection test. It is NOT a free quote.
• The price of an installation test depends on the size and complexity of the installation being inspected. The inspector reports on what he finds; he is not responsible for work done previously.
• Just because something works does not mean it is necessarily compliant.
• Any repairs necessary are not included in the inspection price.
• Unless payment is guaranteed by the conveyancer, all costs are to be paid before the certificate can be issued. Fees remain payable in the event of the collapse of the sale.
• The seller remains responsible for the inspection fee if he chooses to use an alternate electrician to effect repairs. If the seller wishes the first electrician to issue the C.O.C but not effect the repairs, a re-inspection will be necessary for which a charge will be levied, commensurate with the amount of re-inspection involved.
• Sometimes, whilst effecting repairs, additional faults may be revealed. If the associated cost of repairs thereto exceeds 10% of the quoted repair bill, we shall request authority to proceed.

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For the purchaser:

• An electrical inspection is not done to check that things work. It is done to ensure the reasonable safety of the installation.
• Many complaints/disputes can be avoided if a more detailed Offer to Purchase is completed.
• An important point to note is that anything off a plug top, extension cord or that plugs in, is not covered by the Electrical Compliance Certificate.
• Appliances are not covered by the Electrical Compliance Certificate. This includes stoves, ovens, air-conditioning units, geysers, pool motors etc.
• Pool lamps and other lamps and light bulbs are not covered.
• A contractor cannot be held responsible for any nuisance tripping which may occur once a faulty earth leakage unit has been replaced or a new one installed or when circuits are restored onto the earth leakage system.
• In order to prevent unnecessary problems, ensure that the process of obtaining a C.O.C. is completed before commencing any alterations to the property.

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General information:

• Unless specified elsewhere in the Sale Agreement, fixed appliances fall under the “voetstoets” clause and are not part of the C.O.C.
• The electrical contractor is not responsible for painting, patching or tarring if this becomes necessary.

• Avoid unnecessary return call costs by ensuring:

  1. That all light and plug points are accessible for testing.
  2. That there is access to the geyser.
  3. That there is access to every single room including garages, roof space, outbuildings and under buildings.
  4. That vicious dogs are safely locked away in an area where there are no electrical points to be tested.
  5. That all computer data is saved and computers switched off. Please check immediately after an inspection or repairs have been carried out to ensure that fridges, freezers, fish tank pumps, pool pumps etc. are working.
  6. Sometimes ‘nuisance’ tripping occurs once earth leakage units are installed or circuits are restored onto the earth leakage system.
  7. Despite the excellent track record of our staff, it is always a good policy to lock valuables away before admitting strangers to ones’ home.
  8. Before advising he contractor to remove lights or disconnect circuits etc., please bear in mind the purchaser is entitled to receive all fixtures present when an offer to purchase is made. If necessary, this should be done before the property is marketed.

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Electrical Installations in New Structures

Alcocks Electrical Services has a separate division that installs electrical installations in new structures and major building alterations.

Probably the most vital ingredient is a clear idea of what you want where. Bad planning can lead to increased costs.

The approximate location of plug points and the main distribution board must be known before the floor slab is cast. Changing location after the floor is cast can mean expensive re-routing through the roof for electrical outlets that are near the floor.

Similarly, when building a multi-storey structure, it is vital to know where the light fittings are going to be located for the rooms below the deck being cast. Changing location of light fittings afterwards can lead to unsightly visible cabling, or even force the need to install a false ceiling.

The location of telephone points must also be considered. All new telephone cabling to buildings is now installed underground. Telkom has stringent requirements for the tubing conduit to carry telephone lines.

There needs to be good communication between the builders and electrical contractors as to the time frame of each stage. For example, it is rather frustrating watching an electrical contractor chasing freshly plastered walls to install electrical conduit, boxes and cabling. This sort of work needs to be completed before plastering commences.

It is also useless to install surface electrical fittings until the painters are finished. They are just going to remove it to get a neater finish and then the electrical contractor has to reinstall.

To download a clear guide as to what should be done when, download this handy step-by-step guide.