Electrical disciplinary action
In June 2024, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against five licence holders:
Case 1: An electrical contractor performed electrical work that included the removal of existing service pillars and the installation of new service pillars at a caravan park.
The electrical contractor failed to have systems in place to ensure that the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules.
As a result of this failure, socket outlets within a service pillar were energised with no earth connection. It was also identified that socket outlets in another service pillar were energised with a transposed neutral earth connection. A member of the public reported receiving an electric shock when they contacted the metallic parts of a caravan.
The contractor’s licence was suspended, for six months and ordered to complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a caution and a $2,000 penalty. This was in addition to receiving an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $800.
Case 2: An electrical worker performed electrical work that included changes to the power circuits installed in a switchboard.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the electrical work carried out on energised electrical equipment, complied with the requirements of the Electrical Safety Regulations s19-s22.
As a result of this failure, an arc flash was initiated while work was being performed causing significant damage to the electrical chassis of the switchboard where circuit breakers were connected.
It is further understood the worker failed to perform verification tests to ensure the damaged switchboard chassis was electrically safe and compliant to the Wiring Rules before it is energised.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months and ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was also disqualified from being a qualified technical person for three months and must complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $500 penalty.
Case 3: An electrical contractor performed electrical work that included changes to the power circuits installed in a switchboard.
The electrical contractor failed to ensure the electrical work carried out on energised electrical equipment, complied with the requirements of the Electrical Safety Regulations s19-s22.
As a result of this failure, an arc flash was initiated while work was being performed causing significant damage to the electrical chassis of the switchboard where circuit breakers were connected.
It is further understood the contractor failed to perform verification tests to ensure the damaged switchboard chassis was electrically safe and compliant to the Wiring Rules before it is energised.
The contractor’s licence was suspended, for six months. All QTP’s 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 reprimand and a $2,000 penalty.
Case 4: An electrical worker performed electrical work at a domestic residence that included the installation of a 3-phase generator change over switch in the main switchboard and a further 2 generator input devices in the shed.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was tested to ensure it was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules under the Electrical Safety Regulations 2013 s70.
As a result of this failure, the property was not electrically safe, a submain and the generator circuit neutral conductors were transposed and a person at this location sustained an electric shock.
The worker’s licence was suspended, and the worker must complete competency assessment and demonstrate competency in all elements before the suspension is lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $2,000 penalty. The disciplinary action regarding the reprimand and penalty will be included on the licensing public register and will remain on the register for three years. This was in addition to receiving an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $400.
Case 5: An electrical contractor performed electrical work at a domestic residence that included the installation of a 3-phase generator change over switch in the main switchboard and a further 2 generator input devices in the shed.
The electrical contractor failed to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was tested to ensure it was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules under the Electrical Safety Regulations 2013 s71.
As a result of this failure, the property was not electrically safe, a submain and the generator circuit neutral conductors were transposed and a person at this location sustained an electric shock.
The contractor’s licence was suspended, for six months. All QTP’s 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. This was in addition to receiving an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $800.