Contractor, electrician fined following electric shock
A Perth electrical business and electrician have pleaded guilty to breaching WA’s electrical licensing regulations following prosecution by the state regulator, Building and Energy. The charges related to an incident in 2023 where incorrect wiring caused a tradesman to receive an electric shock.
Electrical contractor Intelligent Home Pty Ltd, trading as Wesco Residential, and electrical worker Rory James McGrath attended separate hearings at Fremantle Magistrates Court and were fined a total of $22,500.
In 2023, Intelligent Home had engaged McGrath to undertake electrical work at an Alfred Cove property in its final stages of construction. McGrath’s work included testing lights, power points, an oven, RCDs and smoke alarms.
Afterwards, the company submitted a notice of completion declaring the electrical work was checked, tested and compliant with the regulations.
Almost three months later, a tradesman touched the dishwasher and received an electric shock. Fortunately, he did not require medical treatment.
An investigation revealed the active and earth conductors were transposed at the socket outlet, meaning the dishwasher’s metallic outer casing was live.
On 22 August 2025, McGrath was fined $7500 and ordered to pay $434.50 in costs for breaching the regulations because his work did not comply with the required wiring rules.
Intelligent Home was fined $15,000 on 24 September 2025 for not ensuring the work was checked, tested and safe to use. The company was also ordered to pay $400 in costs.
Magistrate Thomas Hall described the charge against the business as “extremely serious” because dealing with electrical wiring can be fatal and it “takes one electric shock to kill someone”. However, he acknowledged the company’s early guilty plea, remorse, cooperation and improved work practices.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney emphasised that the error could have caused serious injury or death.
“The electrical industry must uphold their responsibilities every time because the consequences can be so serious,” Kearney said.
“In this case, the electrician would have easily identified the dangerous faults by carrying out sufficient checks and tests, which are mandatory for this reason.
“Electrical contractors should also note that the buck stops with them and instil a strong safety and compliance culture.”
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