A Perth electrical company and an electrician have been fined a total of $22,500 after incorrect wiring caused a tradesman to receive an electric shock.
A Perth electrical company and an electrician have been fined a total of $22,500 after incorrect wiring caused a tradesman to receive an electric shock.
During separate hearings at Fremantle Magistrates Court, electrical contractor Intelligent Home Pty Ltd (EC12327), trading as Wesco Residential, and electrical worker Rory James McGrath (EW182350) pleaded guilty to breaching WA's electrical licensing regulations following prosecution by Building and Energy.
According to facts presented in court for both cases, Intelligent Home engaged Mr McGrath in 2023 to attend an Alfred Cove property in its final stages of construction. Mr McGrath's electrical work included testing lights, power points, an oven, RCDs and smoke alarms.
The company later submitted a notice of completion that declared the electrical work was checked, tested and compliant with the regulations.
Almost three months later, a tradesman touched the dishwasher and received an electric shock. An investigation revealed the active and earth conductors were transposed at the socket outlet, meaning the dishwasher's metallic outer casing was live.
The tradesman fortunately did not require medical treatment.
On 22 August 2025, Mr McGrath was fined $7,500 and ordered to pay $434.50 in costs for breaching the regulations because his work did not comply with the required wiring rules.
On 24 September 2025, Intelligent Home was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $400 in costs for not ensuring the work was checked, tested and safe to use.
Magistrate Thomas Hall described the charge against the business as "extremely serious" because dealing with electrical wiring can be fatal and it "takes one electric shock to kill someone". His Honour noted the company's early guilty plea, remorse, cooperation and improved work practices.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney said the error could have caused serious injury or death.
"The electrical industry must uphold their responsibilities every time because the consequences can be so serious," Mr Kearney said.
"In this case, the electrician would have easily identified the dangerous faults by carrying out sufficient checks and tests, which are mandatory for this reason.
"Electrical contractors should also note that the buck stops with them and instil a strong safety and compliance culture."
