Compliance with the WAER is mandatory under Regulation 49 of the Western Australian Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. The WAER should be read with the Electricity Regulations 1947, Part VIII, and the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. Both sets of regulations take precedence.

The document makes frequent references to relevant Australian Standards. As a general rule, nothing in those standards is replicated in the WAER. The reader needs to refer to the quoted Australian Standards.

Failure to comply with a requirement may result in prosecution under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. It may also cause electricity connection delays. 

This latest version contains minor changes to sections 3.7 and 4.6 to include fibre reinforced cement poles as a suitable option for private power lines. 

Full details of this and all previous amendments are provided in WA Electrical Requirements - Amendments to January 2014 edition.

An amendment to the WAER does not apply retrospectively to electrical installations for which design or construction has commenced or for which building contracts have been signed prior to the date of publication of the amendment.

Further amendments may be necessary from time to time and Industry comments will be sought on any material matters prior to publication.  

Feedback

Feedback on any aspect of this document is encouraged.  Comments and suggestions may be forwarded at any time, to:
Director of Energy Safety
Building and Energy
Locked Bag 100, East Perth WA 6892
Fax (08) 6251 1901 or via email be.energy@dmirs.wa.gov.au