A Perth renovator has been fined $3,000 for performing unlicensed electrical work as part of a laundry renovation.
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) is reminding consumers to ensure that anyone engaged to carry out electrical work is licensed to do so.
At Perth Magistrates Court, Reginald Noel Byrne, trading as Renovate Right, was ordered to pay the fine and costs of $869 after pleading guilty to breaching the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991.
In December 2023, Mr Byrne was engaged by homeowners in Atwell to undertake laundry renovations. The completed renovations included the renewal and installation of socket outlets and the relocation of a light switch.
Socket outlets and light switches form part of an electrical installation that is supplied with 240 volts of mains power.
Under the regulations, only a licensed electrical contractor can be engaged to carry out electrical installing work, and the work must be carried out by a licensed electrical worker employed by that contractor.
The court heard Mr Byrne has never held an electrical licence.
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Dan Kearney, said unlicensed electrical work poses a serious risk to homeowners and occupiers.
“Electrical work must only be carried out by licensed and qualified people,” he said.
“Licensing ensures electrical work is performed safely, certified correctly and is subject to inspection. Unlicensed work puts people and property at risk, while possibly having insurance implications.
“Fortunately, no one was injured in this instance, but the risk was certainly there.’
The Director encourages consumers to check whether an electrician or electrical contractor is appropriately licensed by using the LGIRS online licence search or the ServiceWA app.
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Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
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