Campervan case drives home risks of unlicensed electrical work

Building and Energy released the following update to highlight the risks of unlicensed electrical work.

A Perth campervan renovator has admitted carrying out unlicensed electrical work during a vehicle conversion by installing 240-volt wiring and equipment, which was found to be defective.

Following prosecution by Building and Energy, the renovator was fined $3,000 and ordered to pay $647.15 in costs at Fremantle Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to breaching WA’s Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991.

The man is not named because the court granted a spent conviction.

The court heard the business provided a quote for a campervan conversion involving installation of a 240-volt electrical system that included an inlet socket, power outlets and residual and overcurrent protection.

By law, this work must only be carried out by a licensed electrical worker employed by a licensed electrical contractor. The renovator has never held an electrical worker’s licence in WA.

When the vehicle owner later reported electrical issues, a Building and Energy electrical inspector identified several defects including single-insulated conductors and poorly installed cabling.

In court on 22 November 2024, Magistrate Nicholas Lemmon said the renovator was aware the work required electrical specialists, but “took a shortcut” on this occasion. His Honour noted the man’s guilty plea, acceptance of responsibility, lack of previous offences and cessation of campervan conversion work since the incident.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the case showed why licensing requirements are in place for electrical work.

“At least four years of training and experience are required to become a licensed electrical worker,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“Their work also involves mandatory checks, tests and certification to ensure safety and compliance.”

More information can be found at www.demirs.wa.gov.au.