An elderly Gosnells couple were put at risk of electric shock after an electrician’s wiring error left their home live with dangerous voltages for a week, according to facts presented in Perth Magistrates Court.
Following separate prosecutions by Building and Energy, electrical contractor GES (WA) Pty Ltd (EC1001) was fined $30,000 and electrical worker Johnston Gary Parker-Brooks (EW182260) was fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to breaching WA’s electricity licensing regulations.
Facts presented in court for both cases show Mr Parker-Brooks was employed by GES as an electrician when he attended the property to replace a deteriorating private power pole and install a new switchboard.
A week later, a Western Power sample inspection revealed the submains neutral conductor was not connected to the property’s main switchboard. Without this neutral connection, exposed metallic parts of the home became live with dangerous voltages that could have caused serious injury or electrocution.
GES complied with an order to rectify the defect.
On 11 October 2024, Mr Parker-Brooks was sentenced for breaching the regulations by not complying with the Australian wiring rules. Magistrate Lynette Dias acknowledged his early guilty plea, remorse and cooperation, but emphasised the risks to the vulnerable residents or others at the home and noted the error was only discovered through a randomised inspection.
The case against GES concluded on 13 September 2024 for the offence of signing off an official notice that incorrectly declared the electrical work was safe and compliant.
The company and Mr Parker-Brooks were ordered to pay costs of $647.15 each.
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said it was incredibly fortunate that no one was injured by the electrified components at the home.
“The consequences could have been devastating, clearly showing why electrical work must be done correctly every time, including carrying out mandatory checks and tests,” Mr Abdoolakhan 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. There is no place for doubt or cutting corners when people’s lives could be at risk.”
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
