COC filled in example

[Sparks]

Just write down ALL test results.

Have folders full of scribbled down test results in my own test sheet which I have kept just in case. The info you put on the COC is not enough. You just put in the worst case scenario for earth continuity? What good is that. If there was ever any dispute I don't think you would remember at what point you tested for that single number. Also with Eskom messing around with things I have had an incoming earth vanish after they dug up the road to connect a new supply and didn't reconnect properly. Careful what you sign people.... It's like signing a document when all the terms and conditions are not checked.

That's the way to go skatingsparks. My COC does not get to site. I have my own spreadsheet which I fill in and then when at my desk I complete the COC which then stays clean and presentable. I keep my spreadsheets with all my readings on an external drive. A COC takes long to complete and the smell and filth in some places are such that I don"t want to waste time there completing the COC. Earth continuity readings at all points of consumption are recorded not only because they should be but also to cover myself as you said. I also make notes of any recommendations I have made based on what I find on the site. Besides the photographic records I keep

[Justloadit]

Sparks, How long do you keep the records?

[Dave A]

Sparks, How long do you keep the records?

We had one late last year where it was as well we'd kept our records of the previous test... done in 2005.

I'm not convinced it made any difference to issues of liability, but it certainly settled the argument in short order.

[Sparks]

Because I store them on an external drive I will have them pretty much indefinitely. I keep my spreadsheet, photos and a scanned copy of the actual COC. I don"t have those from when I started out any more due to PC crashing but I learnt from it and now keep it on external drives

[gobbleteller]

Sparks,

You should also maybe look into storing your COC data online, for example with IDrive where you get a free 5G account into which you can store all these. An external drive doesn't ensure your data is safe for ever. Cloud storage is the new way of storing your important data. Even if you are using a 3G modem to connect to the internet, documents are quite small in relation to movies or music and so it wont deplete your data bundle. Just a thought...

[Justloadit]

The cloud box will become small once you start loading and pictures that may be taken, so bear this in mind.

[Sparks]

Gobbleteller, I am aware of a few ways to store info online, however, I am still skeptical regarding security and availability. I am also suspicious of people who hound me to use their online storage. One of the online storage sites was recommended to me so I registered in order to find out more. I never stored anything there but was getting mail urging me to use it and then later I was given more free storage because of my "support". I am fortunate in that I have uncapped access to the web so uploading is not a problem. My main concerns are security and as I said availability. I have always set my gmail to retain a copy of all mail on the server. Unfortunately years of mail just disappeared.

[AndyD]

Cloud storage is not as reliable as many would have you believe, there's been several very large cloud storage companies who've have been forcibly closed and/or had their servers seized or been forced to close down because of copyrighted material being on their systems. If this happens you won't get your data back.

[Sparks]

Thank you for confirming my fears Andy.

[mikep]

Hello,
Has anyone managed to get a PDF copy of a correctly filled in COC?

Thanks
Mike

[Sparks]

I put one at https://www.dropbox.com/s/dd1ff00708...AMPLE.pdf?dl=0
I think I covered all the raised questions. I have highlighted in yellow and commented in red.
The rest is self explanatory, but then again I am accustomed to it so, should you have further queries, feel free to post them.

[maseral]

I am just curious I have seen people issue a COC without electrical power especially for new buildings for Eskom to put new transformer.Can it be done and what about the readings that requires power do they just put n/a ?

[Sparks]

Maseral if there is no supply, you obviously cannot put readings pertaining to the supply in and may make note of that. However, tests which do need power for must be provided with temporary power so that those readings may be obtained.

[maseral]

Hi Sparks I've just seen a post where you you said Eskom just want to see the size of the main breaker they'll be connecting power to...not those readings

[Sparks]

Maseral each situation is evaluated according to it's own merits. What exactly do you want to know. There is much more power available than you require and you also pay more for the more you ask for. Before they connect they need to know your requirements. They also need to know that once they switch it on their equipment will not sustain damage.