The State Government energy safety regulator is warning electricians not to cut corners when checking their work after an East Victoria Park home was left unprotected from electrical hazards.
The State Government energy safety regulator is warning electricians not to cut corners when checking their work after an East Victoria Park home was left unprotected from electrical hazards.
Following prosecution by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Building and Energy division, electrical contractor The Service Mate Australia Pty Ltd (EC14744) was fined $35,000 after pleading guilty to breaching WA's electricity licensing regulations.
Perth Magistrates Court heard that between October and November 2023, the company carried out electrical installation work at the property, including replacing the main switchboard, rewiring internal circuits and installing new power points, light fittings and switches.
In January 2024, an inspection by Western Power revealed an unenclosed joint and exposed wiring on a lighting circuit in the roof space. The defects left live conductors exposed, posing a serious risk of electric shock.
Service Mate breached the regulations by failing to ensure the electrical work was completed, checked, tested and safe to use.
In addition to the fine, Magistrate Joe Randazzo also ordered the company to pay $968 in costs. His Honour acknowledged the company's early guilty plea and remorse but emphasised that the conduct represented a serious failure to meet its obligations to ensure the electrical installation was safe for use.
WA's Director of Energy Safety, Dan Kearney, said the case should remind all electrical workers and contractors of their responsibilities.
"Checks and tests are compulsory. There is simply no excuse for cutting corners with any area of electrical work when people's lives can be at risk," Mr Kearney said.
"These defects would have been detected if mandatory checks and tests had been carried out. It was very lucky the hazards were discovered before any potentially lethal consequences."
