Electrical Certificate of Compliance -- The Rules
Electrical Certificate of Compliance -- The Rules
An electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) says the installation is safe and legal. When you need one, who can issue it, and the 2-year rule that catches out every property sale.
The rules (Electrical Installation Regulations, OHS Act)
| General validity | Valid for the lifetime of the installation -- unless additions or alterations are made |
| On transfer of property | The CoC must not be older than 2 years at the date of transfer; an owner may not transfer if the CoC is older than 2 years |
| After alterations | A supplementary CoC must be issued for the altered or added work |
| No whole-property CoC? | A supplement cannot be issued unless a CoC for the whole installation already exists |
Who can issue it
| The issuer | A Registered Person -- registered with the Department of Employment and Labour (e.g. a registered electrical contractor / wireman) |
| Who must hold one | Every user or lessor of an electrical installation |
Reference only -- not legal advice. The 2-year transfer rule is the one that bites on a house sale: get the CoC checked early. A homeowner cannot issue their own CoC -- it must be a Registered Person. Verify against the Electrical Installation Regulations (reg 7).
Sources: Electrical Installation Regulations (OHS Act) · Department of Employment and Labour
SiteKiln provides general guidance only. This is not legal, tax, financial or professional advice. Always verify information and seek professional advice if unsure. © SiteKiln 2026