You Need A COC To Install a Generator
A COC (Certificate of Compliance) is a legal document that serves as proof that you are compliant with South Africa’s laws and regulations. You need it for any kind of electrical work you do, from installing complex data centers to repairing basic circuits. You also need it if you want to install a generator. We have previously published an article on what a COC is and why it is necessary, but we will provide a recap here.
A COC is more than just an administrative hurdle that stands between you and the electrical work you require for your business. It is a document (issued as a certificate, hence the name) that shows that you have complied with the minimum safety regulations as set out by South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 (and specifically the section dealing with electrical installations). It gives assurance to the people who must use the installation (a generator, for example) that it is safe to use, but it also serves as a kind of guarantee that the electrical work was done in accordance with the latest industry standards (and is thus less likely to break down in the short term). It is important to know that the COC is not a once-off document and regular inspections will be required to ensure continued compliance.
What Are the Regulations Surrounding Generator Installation?
Due to Eskom’s ineptitude at maintaining an electrical grid and generating a steady supply of electricity, generators are becoming an essential part of operating a business in South Africa. Most modern businesses need electricity to function in some capacity, which means they lose precious revenue if there is no power. With generators becoming commonplace, the rules and regulations around them are also constantly updated to ensure that businesses can stay safe and compliant when they install generators.
You cannot simply purchase a generator and hook it up to the electrical grid inside your business – there are specific regulations that govern this process. This is because generators require active electrical connections and because they need to be able to safely withstand electrical surges (from the power switching on and off).
Below are some of the regulations that govern generator installation.
- You cannot have more than one generator on your property, unless your property has been subdivided into separate entities (such as a single mall being divided into separate stores, in which case, each store can have their own generator).
- Fuel should be stored in an area with adequate ventilation and should follow a strict access control policy.
- Generators should only be used during power outages or in cases where their use is required for the business to continue operations.
- All generator installations need to conform to the wiring regulations of SANS 10142-1:2003 and a COC needs to be issued for any such installation. Additionally, such installations may only be performed by an accredited installer.
- Generators need to conform to specific noise level requirements. The noise produced by a generator may not exceed 25dB in residential areas (specifically on neighbouring properties) and may not exceed 55dB within 8 metres of the generator.
What Happens When You Are Not Compliant?
The only way to determine compliance is through an inspection by an accredited professional, so you can’t just ask your cashier or accountant to carry out the inspection and write out a favourable report. Not only will you put unaccredited people in danger if you do this – you risk being reported as non-compliant, which can have an adverse effect on your business and its operational capacity. Non-compliance may result in hefty fines or your generator being taken away. Business owners may also face prison time and the business may be disconnected from the power grid entirely.
Contact A Compliant Installer Today
Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you stay compliant.
