Selling a house involves a pile of paperwork, and if the property has any gas installation, a gas Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is usually part of it. Here’s what it is, who can issue one and how to avoid last-minute delays.
What is a gas CoC?
A gas Certificate of Conformity confirms that a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installation was inspected and complies with the national standard for domestic gas installations, SANS 10087. The requirement comes from the Pressure Equipment Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Only an installer registered with SAQCC Gas for the relevant category of work may issue one. Always ask for the installer’s registration number and check it before accepting a certificate.
When do you need one?
You’ll generally need a gas CoC when:
- a new gas installation is completed
- an existing installation is changed or extended (for example, adding a braai point)
- a property with a gas installation is sold
For a sale, your conveyancer or estate agent will usually ask for the gas CoC together with the electrical CoC. The exact requirements are set out in your sale agreement, so read that carefully.
Tip: Book the gas inspection as soon as you sign the offer to purchase. If remedial work is needed, you’ll have time to get it done without holding up transfer.
What the inspection covers
During a CoC inspection we check the whole installation from the cylinders to the appliances, including:
- cylinder placement and distances from openings, drains and sources of ignition
- the regulator, changeover valve and isolation valves
- the condition and type of gas pipes and hoses
- appliance connections and ventilation
- a leak and pressure test of the full system
- required safety signage
Common reasons installations fail
Most failures we see on the North Coast are easy to fix:
| Problem | Typical fix |
|---|---|
| Cylinders too close to a window, door or drain | Move the cylinders to a compliant position |
| No isolation valve near the appliance | Fit an approved isolation valve |
| Old, perished or unapproved hoses | Replace with approved hoses or copper piping |
| Missing gas warning signage | Install the correct signage |
| Corroded regulator or fittings from sea air | Replace the worn components |
How long is a gas CoC valid?
A CoC applies to the installation as it was on the day it was inspected. If anything is changed or added afterwards, the certificate no longer covers the whole installation and a new one is needed. For property sales, buyers and conveyancers often prefer a recent certificate, even if an older one exists.
Beware of “paper-only” certificates: A CoC issued without a proper inspection puts you at risk if something goes wrong later. Make sure the installer actually inspects and tests the installation.
Getting it sorted
If you’re selling a home in Ballito, Salt Rock, Zimbali or anywhere on the North Coast, we can inspect your installation, fix any issues and issue the CoC. Read more about our gas CoC service or WhatsApp us on 065 948 4424.