COC/Test report a legal document

[Isetech]

Another reason why I started this thread, there is making mistakes (we all do) but when you are presented with a COC which clearly shows indicates that it looks like the person who completed the document didn't even get the information correct, surely there has to be so sort of punishment.

You given a COC, the document (I wish I could post it on this forum) is clear indication of how bad this industry has got, the customer contacts the person who did the installation ( not sure that the person signed the document has been to site) says the rules have changed in the past year, so they will return and fit indicator light, fuse disconnects, wireways on the solar cable, just to mention a few of the non compliant items.

Then a new COC is issued and this time, but this time as a member of the ECA, this is where the fight is going to start. I have forwarded a copy to another member of the ECA and requested they review the information.

At least the person has invested in a meter that can test Neutral loop impedance, so instead of posting "no meter" in the last COC, this time there is a reading.

It is like the last COC, there has to be a limit or line draw for our mistakes, having a socket outlet within arms reach of a bath tub (300mm), not connected to a safety supply nor an ELU, should be a criminal offence, not a quick call the contractor to go fix it, what happens if I didn't identify the problem, I wasn't even doing a COC'/test report. I just noticed the socket outlet while looking into something else. I immediately disconnected and cut the wires too short and isolated the wires, so that it could not be reconnected it without even asking the customer. Probably one of the most dangerous non compliant COC I have come across to date.

There is going to have to be some form of checking system implemented to verify that at least some of the COC's being issued are worth the paper they are printed on. Someone mentioned, but they must be correct because they are now done digitally, clearly that has not made any difference, you are going to have to get in a vehicle drive to the site and verify the COC's are being done properly.

[Isetech]

When are the public going to step up and demand this industry get their shyte together, surely people like Carte Blanche could do some investigations into this industry and the COC/test report racket, which by the way is costing the public hundreds of thousands if not millions of rands.

I know there are people out there who dedicate their time and effort into improving the industry, but clearly we need some form of accountability to kick in.

This is one of the reasons I am going to be joining the ECA in July when the new year opens for registrations, one to protect myself when I make mistakes, but also to join an industry that has been around for a long time and attempt to assist to make an positive impact in this industry, instead of just throw stone from the side line.

[Isetech]

The customer I am dealing with at the moment had no idea that his COC and solar installation was non complaint, as the responsible person he had taken the correct steps by requesting a COC for the installation, however was unaware of all the non compliant items (and there are a lot) present on the site and even the new COC/test report doesn't seem to be right, so I have advised them to take it up with the ECA. The R20 000 workmanship warranty doesn't cover my time investigating the issues, they would have to pay me as a consultant, then claim from the person who issued the COC.