The ECA(SA) has a ‘big voice’ in the electrical contracting industry

The ECA regularly receives queries about the relationship between the ECA(SA) and the Electrical Conformance Board (ECB) formerly known as the Electrical Contracting Board. There is currently no formal relationship between the two organisations. Up to 2012, the ECA acted as an agent for the Electrical Contracting Board (ECB) to register electrical contractors in South Africa and to provide those contractors with Certificates of Compliance. When the Department of Labour took over the function of registering electrical contractors in the country, the ECB’s role as registering authority ceased.

Electrical Contracting Board (ECB)

Since 1992, when it was empowered in the Electrical Installation Regulations, the ECB was the body legally mandated to administer the required annual registration of electrical contractors. Although the ECB had offices in all the ECA(SA) regions, it was never part of the ECA(SA) and remains a separate entity.

Until 2009, registration with the ECB was compulsory and a legal requirement. However, in 2009, the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR), (please note: Not SANS 10142-1) changed and made provision for the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) to register electrical contractors. This DEL started doing registrations in September 2012, and the ECB’s exclusive role in the registration of electrical contractors became obsolete. Later, the Electrical Contracting Board was dissolved /closed down.

Electrical Conformance Board (ECB)

Subsequently a new entity, the Electrical Conformance Board was established, also using the acronym ECB, and by mostly the same people, hence the confusion. The ECB then started a system of voluntary listing/ registrations of electrical contractors. This gives electrical contractors an option to, if they wish, register with the ECB. It is to be noted that this is a voluntary registration and is not compulsory.

The ECB’s role and function in the electrical industry is unclear although they do present some courses and sell CoCs. It is important not to confuse the ECB, NBCEI and the ECA(SA) with each other.

• ECA (SA)

The ECA is a voluntary employers’ association that provides a variety of benefits for members. The ECA plays a vital role in the electrical industry and, apart from the Union, we are the only other party to the bargaining council where we determine the rules. The ECA(SA) is party to the setting up, writing and amending of the safety regulations (SANS 10142-1).

The ECA(SA) has a direct relationship with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). While some may deny it, the ECA(SA) has a ‘big voice’ and calls most of the shots in terms of the electrical contracting industry.

All the ECA’s regional offices sell CoCs to members and non-members – ECA members have unique numbers beginning with ECA and non-members’ unique numbers begin with NM. The ECA’s various EWSETA-accredited courses are presented throughout the year and since lockdown, most of the courses are presented online and available to all electricians across South Africa.

• NBCEI

It is compulsory for electrical contractors who have more than one employee to be registered with the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI). The bargaining council acts as the ‘referee’ between the employers and the employees.

It’s critically important to do the right thing – that is to register your employees. It isn’t just the law, it’s the morally correct thing to do. The levies and contributions you think you are saving by not registering someone is going to look and feel like a bargain if an employee dies on site.

• ECB

The ECB has absolutely nothing to offer you that the ECA cannot and ECA members are not obligated to support any ECB training or seminars.

It appears that the ECB’s main source of income is derived from the presentation of courses. There are many training providers offering training for electrical contractors. Be careful of supposed benefits – some training providers claim that course attendees receive the latest Wiring Code for ‘free’, however, it’s evident by the amount charged for the course, that the cost of the Code is included in the course fees.

The ECA(SA) provides its own training – both technical and management – and members are free to decide which service provider they would like to support. Legally, there is no requirement to attend ECB training and we’d prefer our members to rather support the Association that they belong to. By supporting the ECA training – even if some courses may work out marginally more expensive – the money stays in the Association, which really means ECA members benefit, directly and indirectly.

©ECA(SA) 2021

Published in the July-August 2021 issue of SA Electrical Contractor

Article used with kind permission of the ECA(SA)

www.ecasa.co.za