Electrical licensing disciplinary action
In November 2023, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against seven licence holders.
Case 1: An electrical contractor was engaged to install new power points and rewire final subcircuit supplying socket outlets at a domestic property.
The contractor failed to ensure the installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules. As a result, the power circuit supplying the socket outlets in the kitchen was energised with an open circuit earth. The resident received an electric shock when they contacted the metallic surface of a connected appliance.
The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months. All QTPs must also complete mandatory training in competency units and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a severe reprimand and a $2,000 penalty, in addition to receiving a $400 infringement notice.
Case 2: An electrical worker was engaged to install new underground cables, conduit and a main switchboard.
The worker failed to ensure that the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result, the neutral conductor of the submains supplying the residence was energised with a defective inline crimp, causing a high resistance connection. This failure resulted in a rise in potential on the installation earthing system, making the property electrically unsafe.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months and they were ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units before the suspension is lifted. They were issued with a caution, a $400 penalty, plus another $400 infringement notice.
Case 3: An electrical contractor was engaged to install new underground cables, conduit, and main switchboard.
The contractor failed to ensure an installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result, the neutral conductor of the submains supplying the residence was energised with a defective inline crimp, causing a high resistance connection. This caused a rise in potential on the installation earthing system, making the property unsafe.
The contractor’s license was suspended for six months. All QTPs must complete mandatory training in competency units and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a caution and a $1,000 penalty plus an $800 infringement notice.
Case 4: An electrical worker performed electrical work which involved the replacement of a switchboard cabinet cooling fan in a plant room and supervision of an electrical apprentice.
The worker failed to comply with safe systems of work, specifically relating to electrical work on energised equipment. This failure caused both the worker and the apprentice to receive electric shocks when they contacted the energised part.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months and the worker ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units before the suspension is lifted. The worker was issued with a severe reprimand and a $2,000 penalty. The disciplinary action will be included on the licensing public register and remain there for three years.
Case 5: An electrical contractor performed electrical work which included the replacement of socket outlets, the installation of new socket outlets and a ceiling fan at a domestic property.
The contractor failed to correctly identify, isolate, lock-out and tag the circuits where the work was being undertaken. The contractor also failed to ensure that the electrical equipment was de-energised prior to the works commencing, and as a result, inadvertently re-energised it while the work was carried out.
As a result of this failure, an electrical apprentice received an electric shock when contact was made with an energised conductor supplying a power circuit.
The contractor’s license was suspended for six months. All QTPs must complete mandatory training in competency units and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a caution and a $1,500 penalty.
Case 6: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform scheduled works, including replacing an overhead service line and mains connection box at a domestic property.
The contractor failed to ensure that the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was appropriately tested to ensure it was safe and compliant with the Wirings Rule.
It was identified that the consumer mains were connected to a transposed active and neutral connection at the mains connection box. This caused a rise in potential on the electrical installation earthing system and conductive metallic parts of the building structure. This resulted in the resident receiving an electric shock when contact was made with the metallic kitchen sink.
The contractor was issued with a caution and a $2,000 penalty and recommended to undertake an electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor.
Case 7: An electrical worker was undertaking scheduled works, including the replacement of an overhead service line and mains connection box at a domestic property.
The worker failed to ensure the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was appropriately tested to ensure it was safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
It was identified that the consumer mains were connected to a transposed active and neutral connection at the mains connection box. This caused a rise in potential on the electrical installation earthing system and conductive metallic parts of the building structure. This resulted in the resident receiving an electric shock when contact was made with the metallic kitchen sink.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months alongside an order to complete the mandatory training in competency units before the suspension is lifted. The worker was issued with a severe reprimand and a $4,000 penalty. The disciplinary action will be included on the licensing public register and remain there for three years.