In South Africa, an electric fence Certificate of Compliance (COC) is a legal document issued by a registered electric fence installer, certifying that your electric fence installation complies with SANS 10222-3 regulations. Unfortunately, fake COC’s are becoming more common and if you’re caught with one, the consequences can be serious, from insurance issues to legal liability.
Whether you’re buying or selling property, or simply trying to ensure your home is secure and compliant, here’s how to spot a fake electric fence COC.
1. Check for a Valid Certificate Number
A genuine electric fence COC includes a certificate number issued by the Department of Labour (DOL) through the ECA (Electrical Contracting Association). If the number is missing, duplicated, or looks suspicious (e.g. handwritten or incorrectly formatted), it’s likely fake.
Tip: Contact the ECA to verify the certificate number.
2. Verify the Installer’s Registration
Only qualified, registered electric fence system installers are allowed to issue COCs. The installer must be registered with the Department of Labour.
You can verify their credentials by:
- Asking for their DOL registration number
- Checking with the ECA
3. Check the Format and Logo
A real COC follows a standardised layout and includes:
- The Electric Fence System Certificate of Compliance heading
- The installer’s details and registration number
- The property address
- Date of issue
- A clear signature from the registered person
Fake documents often look unprofessional, have errors, missing logos, or poor formatting. Some are simply copied and reused which is an illegal and risky practice.
4. Make Sure the COC is for the Correct System
Electric fence COC’s are separate from electrical installation COC’s. If someone provides a general electrical COC but your property has an electric fence, that is not enough. Ensure the certificate specifically states it’s for an electric fence system and references SANS 10222-3.
5. Be Wary of Ultra-Cheap Offers
If someone offers you a COC without an inspection or at an unusually low price, it’s likely a fake or invalid certificate. A compliant certificate requires:
- A physical inspection of the electric fence system
- Verification that the system adheres to safety standards
- Proper documentation
Never accept a COC issued without a proper site visit.
Why It Matters
Using a fake electric fence COC isn’t just unethical, it’s illegal. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Voided Insurance: If your insurer finds out the certificate is fake, your claim may be rejected.
- Legal Penalties: Non-compliance with the Electrical Installation Regulations can lead to fines or prosecution.
- Safety Hazards: Faulty electric fence systems pose real danger to people and animals.
What To Do If You’re Unsure
If you suspect your certificate might be fake, contact us. We are registered to issue electric fence certificates of compliance We’ll carry out an inspection and issue a legitimate certificate if your installation is compliant.
Read our article on why you need a seperate certificate of compliance for your electric fence here.
Are you concerned whether your electric fence is standard with regulations? Read here.