Fine for unlicensed electrical work

Building and Energy released the following statement: 

Building and Energy is reminding consumers to check the credentials of service providers after a Perth man contracted for and provided electrical work without holding the required electrical licences.

At Perth Magistrates Court the individual was ordered to pay a $3,500 fine and costs of $951.50 after pleading guilty to two breaches of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991.

The court was told the individual has never held any electrical licence and has never been a licensed electrical worker or electrical contractor.

In March 2023, the individual responded to a homeowner’s request for electrical work via a services website. He later provided a written quote for a switchboard relocation at the East Victoria Park property.

Under the regulations, only a licensed electrical contractor can be contracted for electrical work or imply they are authorised to do so.

He later carried out the electrical work, which included moving the property’s switchboard and meter enclosure, as well as altering wiring behind the meter panel and in the ground. He also opened and examined the network operator’s green electrical connection pillar.

The regulations state this work must only be carried out by a licensed electrical worker employed by a licensed electrical contractor.

In court on 4 April 2025, Magistrate Catherine Crawford acknowledged the individual's early guilty plea and limited capacity to pay a fine. Her Honour described the charges as serious and noted an inherent risk of harm from electricity and the “potential for significant harm” due to the nature of the work.

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

“Electrical work by an unlicensed and unqualified person is unsafe,” he said.

“To ensure safety and compliance, at least four years of training and experience are required to become a licensed electrician. Electrical contractors must also certify their work, which is then subject to inspection.

“Fortunately no one was injured in this case, but problems did occur with the work. The network operator and an electrical contractor were required to attend to ensure the installation was safe and compliant.

“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.”