Are electrical certificates nothing more than a huge scam?

The intention of electrical certificates of compliance, are to keep property owners, there families and their guests safe. Fact is that electricity is dangerous and is the major cause of building fires and can result in serious personal injury. The average person doesn’t know how to spot dangerous wiring. The objective of the Act is therefore to protect the buyer (and the seller) and to ensure that the electrical wiring is, at the very least, reasonably safe. It is not intended as an opportunity for unethical electricians to make an extra buck or two by willy-nilly issuing a piece of worthless paper.

But sometimes I understand consumers who feel that the Act covering electrical certificates is nothing more than a "license" for some electricians to extort money out of unsuspecting property sellers -- because unfortunately in many cases, property sellers do have a point.

Since 1994 when the Act was promulgated, thousands of "dodgy" certificates have been issued (and continue to be issued) by people who hardly know how to fill in the certificate form much less do a proper inspection. Some ‘electricians’ are blatant enough to issue certificates without bothering to even do a basic visual inspection; sometimes in cahoots with irresponsible estate agents. No wonder that many industry professionals are wondering if this is not just one huge scam.

The electrical certificates of compliance industry, as it stands now, is self regulating, and unless a property buyer lodges a complaint with the department of labour, who are the custodians of the Act, there is unfortunately hardly any policing by municipal inspectors or the department of labour - and herein lays the problem. The system is wide open to abuse.

What should one do if one has doubts about the authenticity of the electrical certificate?

You can contact the Electrical Contractors Association
- ECA (SA)]. (011) 392 0000. www.ecasa.co.za

Gauteng Electrical Inspectorate Authority.
An approved Inspection Authority, follows up complaints received either directly from the general public or referred by the Department of Labour.
www.geia.co.za

Western Cape Approved Inspection Authorities.
Appointed by the Chief Directorate, Department of Labour in terms of Electrical Machinery Regulation 12, Occupational Health and Safety Act
www.wcaeia.co.za

Code Wired
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