• Electric shock risks from incorrect wiring of two installations
• Mandatory checks and tests were not carried out
• $8,000 fine for electrical worker and $10,000 fine for electrical contractor

Dangerous and defective electrical work carried out in the Great Southern has led to fines totalling $18,000 against a Perth electrician and an electrical contracting company.

Following prosecutions by Building and Energy, separate cases were heard at Perth Magistrates Court against Cockburn-based Future Power WA Pty Ltd (EC8853) and its employee, electrical worker MJ (EW114241).

According to facts presented in court for both matters, Future Power was contracted in 2020 to connect the electricity supply for two communication huts in Shadforth and Broomehill West.

MJ carried out the work and Future Power submitted notices of completion declaring that the installations were checked, tested, compliant and safe.

However, a Western Power electrical inspector later found the multiple earthed neutral (MEN) connection had not been installed at the Shadforth site. Without an MEN, protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses may not operate if an electrical fault occurs, which can cause metal objects to become live with lethal voltage levels.

At Broomehill West, the inspector found the switchboard’s active and neutral conductors were transposed, which could cause an electric shock or fire. A non-compliant cable and connection method were also noted.

MJ was fined $8,000 and ordered to pay costs of $537.15 after pleading guilty to four breaches of WA’s Electricity Licensing Regulations due to the substandard work.

Future Power also pleaded guilty to two offences under the Regulations for submitting inaccurate notices of completion. The company was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay costs of $418.

Western Australia’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the cases should remind electricians why checks and tests of their work are mandatory.

“There is simply no excuse for cutting corners with any area of electrical work when people’s lives can be at risk,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“Electrical contractors must also drive a culture of compliance among their employees to ensure proper processes are followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

“In this case, it is very lucky that the defects were discovered before any potentially lethal consequences.”

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Media contact: BEmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au