An electrical contractor and an electrician have been fined a total of $14,000 after a switchboard in Carine was left unprotected, putting users at risk of serious injury or electrocution if a fault occurred.
Following separate prosecutions by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Building and Energy division, Warwick-based Taranaki Electrical Pty Ltd (EC8035), trading as Egmont Electrical, and its employee pleaded guilty to breaching WA’s electrical licensing regulations.
According to facts presented in Perth Magistrates Court for both matters, the electrical worker employed by Taranaki installed a switchboard at the home in August 2023. The company later submitted a notice of completion to the network operator, Western Power, declaring the electrical work was complete, compliant with applicable legislation and safe based on compulsory checks and tests.
However, an inspection by Western Power found the switchboard’s metallic enclosure had not been effectively bonded to earth, meaning it could remain live with dangerous voltages if a fault occurred.
On 3 October 2025, Taranaki Electrical was fined $10,000 for submitting an inaccurate notice for the work and ordered to pay $571 in costs. Magistrate Michelle Harries noted the company’s early guilty plea, remorse and improved work practices.
On 31 October 2025, the electrical worker was fined $4,000 and ordered to pay costs of $571. The electrician is not named because the court granted a spent conviction.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney said the consequences could have been devastating if a fault occurred while there was inadequate protection against electrocution.
“Electricians must carry out their tasks diligently and always check and test their work,” Mr Kearney said.
“Electrical contractors must also ensure they have adequate processes and procedures in place to be confident that all electrical installing work is safe and compliant prior to signing off on this.
“It is incredibly lucky that the defect was identified at this installation, allowing a potentially life-threatening situation to be rectified.”
<ENDS>
Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
Print this page
