A Perth electrician has been fined $42,000 for wiring and notification offences after a residential switchboard in Floreat was left unprotected from electrical hazards for 15 months.
Deren Deniz (EW175379, EC14486) of Cable & Co Electrical Services entered a written guilty plea at Perth Magistrates Court to two offences under WA’s electricity licensing regulations following prosecution by Building and Energy.
At sentencing on 25 September 2025, the court heard Mr Deniz relocated the home’s main switchboard in September 2023 but failed to install a critical safety feature – an earthing conductor. Without earthing, there was a serious risk of electric shock if someone touched the switchboard during a fault.
The court was told Mr Deniz submitted a notice of completion 15 months after finishing the work instead of within three days as required by law. The notice incorrectly declared the electrical work was checked, tested and compliant with the regulations.
After the notice was lodged, a Western Power inspection identified the missing earth and also found the terminals of bars, circuit-breakers, fuses and other electrical equipment mounted on the switchboard were not marked or arranged to identify the corresponding active and neutral connection for each circuit.
Mr Deniz was fined $27,000 for the non-compliant work and $15,000 for an inaccurate notice of completion.
Magistrate Tanya Watt also ordered Mr Deniz to pay $1,353 in costs and described the non-compliance as extremely dangerous and an “extreme example”, noting the potential risk to other electrical workers accessing the switchboard. Her Honour also acknowledged that Mr Deniz had no prior offences.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney said the case should serve as a reminder to electrical workers and contractors about their responsibilities.
“This home remained hazardous for nearly 15 months between the switchboard work and the discovery and rectification of the missing earthing conductor and incorrect labelling,” Mr Kearney said.
“The law requires electrical workers to submit timely notices to ensure prompt inspections of electrical work to ensure it is compliant and safe.
“The required tests should have been performed, and it was incredibly fortunate that the hazard was found before any injuries or property damage occurred.”
<ENDS>
Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
Print this page
