How you deal with invalid/ non compliant COC's

[Derlyn]

This thread started with a question. " how you deal with non compliant / invalid coc's ?

I see it as a source of potential business and work.

If, while working on a site, I notice something that jumps out at me as being non compliant, I point it out to the client and immediately quote to rectify it. It is then up to the client to either accept my quote or not.

I do not personally get involved in disputes with other contractors regarding coc's issued by themselves. That's a no no for me.

I rather use the situation to my advantage without bad mouthing anyone else. It has always worked for me and I don't foresee any changes in the foreseable future.

If one of my rules was not to take on any work without first being presented with a valid coc for the installation prior to proceeding, I would have been out of business decades ago.

That's my story.

Flamesuite is on. ✌️✌️

[Isetech]

Let me get this right, so you are happy to make a customer pay for work they have already paid for ?

We are not referring to non compliant components on site, we are taking about work that has been completed, COC issued and the customer has paid in full.

Then you come along, identify that the work completed and COC is non compliant, quote and invoice again ?

This thread started with a question. " how you deal with non compliant / invalid coc's ?

I see it as a source of potential business and work.

If, while working on a site, I notice something that jumps out at me as being non compliant, I point it out to the client and immediately quote to rectify it. It is then up to the client to either accept my quote or not.

I do not personally get involved in disputes with other contractors regarding coc's issued by themselves. That's a no no for me.

I rather use the situation to my advantage without bad mouthing anyone else. It has always worked for me and I don't foresee any changes in the foreseable future.

If one of my rules was not to take on any work without first being presented with a valid coc for the installation prior to proceeding, I would have been out of business decades ago.

That's my story.

Flamesuite is on. ✌️✌️

[Derlyn]

What does one do if you are requested to install an extra socket outlet in a bedroom and the client cannot find their coc, which happens very often ?

I know what I do.

I install that socket outlet and issue a coc for it's installation only.

NOTE. Not a supplementary coc but a new coc for that socket outlet only.

If presented with a coc that is clearly invalid, I treat it the same as if no coc was presented and issue a new coc for the newly installed socket outlet only.

Sorted.

A little story. Some years ago, a company was contracted by the local municipality to install ripple relays on all installations for geyser control. They installed them without first requesting existing coc's. About 2 years later everyone received coc's for the ripple relay installs, shoved into their post boxes.

[Derlyn]

I quote for what I see.

Like I said, it's up to the client to accept the quote or not. I do not force anyone to accept anything.

I will invoice if my quote is accepted and after we have completed the work quoted for.

The client has 2 options. 1) To approach the contractor involved to rectify defects or 2) Accept my quote to do so. No pressure.

If they are happy to pay me, which is more often than not, so be it and I've gained a new client. If not, I just do the work that I was originally commisioned to do and invoice for that only.

[Derlyn]

I have a buddy who has a workshop for motor repairs.

It will be rather ridiculous if someone needs a cylinderhead gasket replaced but he turns them away because he notices the 2 back tyres are smooth and they cannot present him with a roadworthy certificate or insists that they first replace those tyres before he attends to the cylinderhead. He might as well shut his doors, lock them and chuck away the keys.

There are imperfections in all spheres of trade and industry. It is not possible for either you or I to correct these to our satisfaction instantly. One either operates with as much humanity and dignity as possible without cutting one's own throat or find a job where the boss has to worry about those things.

I am in no way suggesting that we should not strive to do things correctly, but I, myself, will not let the fact that someone else did not perform to the expected standard, affect my business negatively. That's a recipe for disaster for me. Like I said, I use it to my advantage.

Peace out.

[Derlyn]

Let me get this right, so you are happy to make a customer pay for work they have already paid for ?

We are not referring to non compliant components on site, we are taking about work that has been completed, COC issued and the customer has paid in full.

Then you come along, identify that the work completed and COC is non compliant, quote and invoice again ?

So this happened to me yesterday 16/6/2024.

I was invited to a braai in Gonubie.

Whilst there, the host showed me his "beautiful" 8Kw Sunsynk inverter installation. ( His description )

At a quick glance it does look beautiful, but something jumped out at me. No labels on AC DB.

I pointed this out to him.

He asked if I could see any other defects so I made arrangements to go back this morning and have a more in depth look see and this is what I found.

1. The PV panels on the roof have not been bonded and earthed.
2. No earth spike for the PV panels.
3. No earthing cable has been pulled in between the panels and the inverter.
4. The surge arrestors in the DC combiner box have no earth connected making them
inoperable in the event of a surge.
5. The components in the AC control DB have not been labelled.
6. Neither the inverter input nor output have surge arrestors installed.
7. There is no “ Grid power on” indicator light or audible alarm fitted.
8. No bridging relay for neutral earth bonding during islanding mode has been installed.
( I created a mains power failure and showed him that the earth leakage will not work without it. )
9. Some fine stranded cable terminations do not have bootlace ferrules.
10. The supply earth wire on the inverter has no lug. Just twisted under a screw.
11. The batteries have not been bonded and earthed.
12. No CT coil has been installed on the grid incoming supply.

The installation was done and coc supplied by an electrical tester for single phase who is now "specialising" in solar installations.

The owner has requested that I supply a quote to bring the installation up to standard, which I am working on.

He has indicated that, no matter the cost, he is going to bring the culprit to book. I have advised him that I do not, as a matter of principle, get involved with these disputes, but at the same time have informed him of the steps he should take.

[Isetech]

Are you sure this is correct?

Do you really need it on the grid side?

7. There is no “ Grid power on” indicator light or audible alarm fitted.

[Isetech]

Does know why why we fit a light or audible device to backup installations, and where it should be installed.

To give you a clue, installing it in the trunking below inverter might not be the smartest place.

[Isetech]

Do you understand why we use bootlace ferrules on stranded wire and when it is required and not required. I would like to hear why you added this to the list?

In the old days it was required for a reason, however things have changed and in some cases it is better not to use a bootlace.

Why was this regulations added to SANS?



9. Some fine stranded cable terminations do not have bootlace ferrules.

[Isetech]

I would suggest you tell the customer to switch the system off asap, unless it is not connected to the grid, as it will damage the inverter and the supplier will not honor the warranty. Which will be indicated in the inverter records.

12. No CT coil has been installed on the grid incoming supply.