Electrician fined for licence breach

A Perth electrical worker has been fined $4500 for taking on work that should have been carried out by an electrical contractor.

The worker had been engaged by the owners of a property in Wanerie, in the Shire of Gingin, to carry out electrical installing work for a solar power system.

Following investigation by WA safety regulator Building and Energy, he was found to have breached the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 because he did not hold an electrical contractor’s licence and was not employed by an electrical contractor.

In most situations, electrical workers (whose licence numbers begin with EW) are not authorised to carry out electrical work unless they are employed by an electrical contractor (whose licence numbers begin with EC).

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Dan Kearney, said electrical licensing requirements are vital for ensuring electrical work is safe, compliant and subject to inspection.

“Taking on electrical contracting work without the appropriate licence is dangerous and illegal,” Kearney said.

“Consumers and industry can be reassured by the rigorous requirements for obtaining an electrical contractor’s licence, including an independent Board evaluation of qualifications and experience.

“Electrical contractors must also hold liability insurance and submit notices of completion so electrical work can be subject to inspection.”

The electrician, who was not present in court, was ordered in his absence to pay $770 in costs in addition to the $4500 fine.

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