Updated
Guide · Electrical compliance
Generator Changeover Switches and the Electrical CoC
Connecting a generator to a house or building changes its fixed wiring, so the work needs an electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This guide explains what the certificate covers, who may issue it, when you need one and what to keep for a property sale. We issue and sign the electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the changeover switch installations we carry out.
Callout fee waived when you accept our written quote. 1-year workmanship guarantee. See prices
- CoC signed for our installations
- Tested before it is issued
- Manual and automatic changeovers
- Onsite across Gauteng
The certificate
What a CoC is, and why a generator connection needs one
In South Africa, the Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, require an electrical installation to have a Certificate of Compliance. The certificate confirms that the installation was inspected and tested against the wiring code, SANS 10142-1, and found to comply.
A generator changeover is part of that fixed installation. Its job is to make sure the generator and the mains can never be connected at the same time, so the generator cannot feed power back into the street, where it can kill someone working on the lines, and the mains cannot return into the generator. When a changeover switch is fitted or altered, that work has to be certified.
Only a registered person may issue a CoC. The regulations register people in three categories: an electrical tester for single phase, who may certify single-phase installations; an installation electrician, who may certify any installation except specialised ones; and a master installation electrician. A certificate is issued only after the installation has been inspected and tested, and the registered person must refuse to issue it until any defect found has been put right.
A plug-in lead from a generator into a wall socket cannot be certified. It back-feeds the mains and leaves exposed pins live. A properly installed changeover switch with a certified connection point is the safe, compliant way to connect.
When you need one
When a generator connection needs a CoC
A new changeover switch
Fitting a manual changeover or an automatic transfer switch alters the fixed installation, so the new work is inspected, tested and certified.
Changing an existing changeover
Replacing the switch, moving the connection point or changing which circuits the generator feeds is an alteration, and the altered part needs its own certificate.
A new standby generator
Installing a standby set wired into the building includes its changeover and connection, which are certified as part of the job.
Selling the property
Property sources cite Regulation 7(5): ownership may not change hands if the electrical CoC is older than two years. Many sellers get a new one before transfer.
After a fault or damage
If a changeover has burnt, overheated or been damaged, the repaired installation should be tested again before it is relied on.
Insurance and body corporates
Insurers, landlords and trustees may ask for the certificate for a generator connection. Keep a copy with the property records.
How it is done
From installation to certificate
01
Site check
The board, the generator, its rating and the circuits it should carry are checked, and the changeover type is chosen: manual or automatic, single- or three-phase.
02
Written quote
You get a written quote for the switch, the connection point, the wiring and the certificate before any work starts.
03
Installation
The changeover is installed and labelled, so anyone can see which position is mains and which is generator.
04
Inspection and testing
The work is inspected and tested on both the mains and the generator, including proof that the two supplies can never be connected together.
05
Certificate issued
Once the tests pass, the registered person issues and signs the CoC with its test report. A defect found during testing is fixed first.
06
Keep it on file
Store the certificate with the property documents. You will need it for insurance questions and when the property is sold.
Changeover CoC at a glance
The short version, with where each point comes from. For a legal matter, check the current regulations or ask a registered electrical inspector.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does the CoC confirm? | That the installation was inspected and tested against SANS 10142-1 and complies |
| Who may issue it? | Only a registered person under the Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009 |
| Can it be issued with a known defect? | No. The registered person must refuse until the defect is fixed |
| Does a CoC expire? | It does not lapse with time alone, but altered work needs its own certificate |
| What about selling the property? | Property sources cite Regulation 7(5): ownership may not change if the CoC is older than two years |
| Can a wall-socket lead be certified? | No. It back-feeds the mains; a proper changeover and connection point is needed |
For the switch itself, including faults and the difference between manual and automatic changeovers, see changeover switch repairs and installation.
Common Questions
Changeover CoC questions
Do you issue a CoC for changeover switches?
Yes. We issue and sign the electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the changeover switch installations we carry out.
Does my portable generator need a CoC?
Not when it powers appliances through extension leads plugged into the generator itself. As soon as it is connected to the house wiring, through a changeover switch and connection point, that connection is part of the fixed installation and needs a certificate.
Who is allowed to sign a CoC?
Only a registered person under the Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009: an electrical tester for single phase, an installation electrician or a master installation electrician, each within the scope of their registration.
Is a CoC from the previous owner still valid?
A certificate does not lapse with time alone. But any work done since it was issued, such as fitting a changeover, needs its own certificate, and property sources cite a two-year limit for a change of ownership.
What is tested before the certificate is issued?
The installation is inspected and tested against SANS 10142-1, and the results go on the test report that comes with the certificate. For a changeover, the testing includes proving that the generator and the mains can never be connected together.
Can an automatic transfer switch be certified the same way?
Yes. An ATS is part of the fixed installation just like a manual changeover, and it is inspected, tested and certified when it is installed or altered.
Still unsure what the fault is? Call or WhatsApp 082 057 4605 for onsite diagnosis.
Related Pages
Changeovers, installation and safety
- Changeover Switches Repairs, replacement and installation
- ATS Repairs Automatic transfer switches
- Generator Installation A new standby set and its connection
- Residential Generator Repairs Home generators and connections
- Not Switching Back When the changeover stays on generator
- Generator Guides More guides for owners
Service Areas
Onsite visits across Gauteng
We come to your generator anywhere in Gauteng, 24/7. Choose your region for local suburbs, call-out details and the faults we see most there.
What to send before we attend
These details help us plan the visit and bring the right parts. Send what you can on WhatsApp; if you can’t find the model number, we still book the visit.
- Location
- The suburb or site, so the visit can be booked in the right area.
- Make and model
- The generator brand and model, if they are known.
- kVA
- The size printed on the data plate.
- Fuel type
- Diesel, petrol, LPG, natural gas, or dual-fuel.
- Controller model
- The module name on the panel, when it is visible.
- Fault or alarm
- What the set does, and any text on the screen.
- Photos
- The generator, the data plate, and the controller or alarm. Send these on WhatsApp.
Book a Visit
Book a changeover installation
Tell us your suburb, the generator make and size, and whether you need a new changeover or an existing one replaced. Please keep the board closed.
- Call
- 082 057 4605
- Message us on WhatsApp
What happens next
- We reply with questions about the generator, or to book a visit.
- A technician comes to you. For a breakdown we arrive within 1 hour.
- The fault is diagnosed on site and you get a written quote. No work starts until you accept it.
Charlie, lead technician: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Degree in Electrical Engineering, Diesel Plant Fitter. Generator specialists since 2000.