Electrical error sparks $18,500 penalty

Building and Energy released the following statement on the prosecution of an Electrical contractor and their employee for breaching WA's electrical licensing regulations. 

An electrician’s failure to install an essential safety component at a Wandi property, putting occupants at risk of electric shock, has led to $18,500 in fines following prosecution by Building and Energy.

A Jandakot electrical contractor and their employee, pleaded guilty to breaching WA’s electrical licensing regulations.

On 6 June 2025, Rockingham Magistrates Court was told the employee carried out electrical work in December 2023 to enable connection of the newly built home to the electricity network.

When Western Power checked the installation the following day, the inspector noted it was missing a key part of the earthing system, the multiple earthed neutral (MEN). Without an MEN, protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses may not operate if an electrical fault occurs. This could cause metallic parts of the home to become live with dangerous voltages that could result in electric shock.

The employee was fined $3,500 because the missing MEN meant the work did not comply with the required wiring rules. The electrical contractor was fined $15,000 for providing an official notice that incorrectly declared the employee's work was checked, tested and compliant.

Magistrate Clare Cullen also ordered the employee and contractor to pay costs of $367.25 and $377.50 respectively, noting their early pleas and genuine remorse.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Peter Stewart, said he hoped the case reminded electrical workers and contractors about their responsibilities.

“The issue would have easily been detected if the electrical worker had carried out mandatory checks and tests,” Mr Stewart said.

“Electrical contractors must also remember the buck stops with them and instil a strong safety and compliance culture among all their staff.”