In an industry struggling with non-compliance, contractors who would like to work within the law are encouraged to bring an association partner in to support their business. The HVAC market in South Africa is established, regulated and globally competitive, it carries many intricacies and without guidance, navigating the landscape may prove detrimental to a new business. Start-ups, for example, may not be fully aware of the regulations governing the installation, repairs, and maintenance of (insert specific term).

The South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA) is an association committed to supporting a new business by providing members with relevant information and training opportunities.

SARACCA Upliftment

SARACCA uplifts and supports its members, preparing them to be effective players in the industry. These are some of the member benefits.

Through its Director, SARACCA is involved in the administration of SAQCC Gas for Authorised Refrigeration Gas Practitioner registration and Certificate of Conformity monitoring all in terms of the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER).

SARACCA provides a subsidy to members for the training of site staff in duct erection, refrigeration, air conditioning, project management via short courses that follow a SAQA approved training curriculum.

SARACCA supports the experiential training of engineers from university with a grant to the member who engages a student for the practical experience. In addition, SARACCA also assists companies who train apprentices for the industry.

SARACCA is a member of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa, which allows member’s access to Industrial Relations Services such as advice on labour matters, dispute resolution, and employment conditions.

Membership of the Metal Engineering Industries Bargaining Council is available through SEIFSA.

SARACCA is represented at the SABS to provide input on the review and revision of SANS standards such as SANS 10147 on refrigeration, SANS 10173 for installation, testing and balancing of air conditioning ductwork and SANS 1238 for the manufacture of ductwork.  All of these have an impact on our industry and it should be noted that SANS 10147 is now referred to in the OSH Act and Pressure Equipment Regulations which has major implications regarding responsibility and obligations on refrigeration installations, maintenance, and repairs.

SARACCA publishes and circulates to members regular updates on the Contract Price Adjustment Provisions (CPAP) and SEIFSA indices which enable members to monitor the movement of these indices and weightings for Work Groups specific to our industry.

Training Support

SARACCA has a vast range of Training providers dedicated to providing substantial and practical training that arms practitioners with essential skills as per their specific industry specialities. SARACCA has training providers specialising in areas of all A1 & A3 refrigerants on commercial, industrial, automotive and B2 Ammonia. Training providers are situated in the Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape regions.

Ethical Practices

SARACCA is also committed to the observation of fair and ethical tendering procedures by the inquiring and contracting parties in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, this involves operating without prejudice to the principles of the free market. This simply means that members of the association adhere to similar principles whilst in free competition against each other.

Starting a business in South Africa comes with many challenges. Aligning a business with an association partner will help contractors navigate the ins and outs of the HVAC industry and successfully operate in one of South Africa's fastest-growing markets.