Perth man convicted of further electrical offences

Perth man Cody De Waal has been convicted of electrical licensing offences for the second time this year, prompting WA’s safety regulator to issue a warning about the hazards of unauthorised electrical work.

De Waal had previously appeared in court in April 2025, when he was fined $3500 in relation to unlicensed switchboard work that occurred in 2023 at an East Victoria Park home.

The most recent charges relate to another 2023 incident, in which De Waal, trading as Customized Electrics and Air, responded to a Duncraig owner-builder’s request for electrical work via a service website. De Waal provided written quotes under his trading name and later installed electrical cables through the house for future connection to the switchboard, lights and power points.

By law, only a licensed electrical contractor can be contracted for electrical work or imply they are authorised to do so. Electrical work must only be carried out by a licensed electrical worker employed by an electrical contractor. De Waal has never held any electrical licences.

Following prosecution by Building and Energy, De Waal pleaded guilty at Joondalup Magistrates Court to carrying on an electrical contracting business and undertaking electrical work without holding the required electrical licences.

On 1 August 2025, he was fined $5500 for two breaches of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and ordered to pay $577.50 in costs.

“Electrical work by an unlicensed person is illegal and dangerous,” said Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney.

“The work is not certified or subject to inspection. There are also insurance implications.

“I urge all consumers to check their electrical service provider is appropriately licensed, prior to using them, through the Building and Energy website or the ServiceWA app.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Hispanolistic. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.