Unlicensed electrical work carried out in Northam has led to fines totalling $45,000 against a local air-conditioning company and one of its employees.

Following prosecutions by Building and Energy, separate cases were heard at Midland Magistrates Court against Draco Air Pty Ltd and a refrigeration and air-conditioning (R&AC) technician.

The courts were told the technician did not hold any electrical licences when he performed electrical work for Draco Air while repairing air-conditioning units at multiple premises in Northam between January and May 2022.

Under WA’s electricity licensing regulations, R&AC technicians must hold a restricted electrical licence authorising them to carry out certain limited electrical work on R&AC appliances and installations. The individual’s previous R&AC restricted electrical licence expired in 2007.

According to facts presented to court for both matters, during the offending period the employee’s work included modifying, disconnecting and reconnecting electrical wiring, and replacing electrical components in air-conditioners.

The technician also carried out tasks that even exceeded the scope of a restricted electrical licence, including installing an air-conditioner isolator switch and air-conditioner interconnect wiring. By law, only a licensed electrical worker can carry out this work. The company was fined a total of $37,500 and ordered to pay $643.50 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching the regulations by employing an unlicensed worker for electrical tasks.

During sentencing on 11 June 2024, Magistrate Michelle Ridley noted the need for general deterrence and the obligation on Draco Air, as the employer, to verify the licence status of its employees. Her Honour acknowledged Draco Air’s previous good conduct, improved processes and essential services in a small town.

On 5 July 2024, the technician was fined $7,500 after pleading guilty to carrying out electrical work without the required licence. The individual, not named due to a spent conviction, was also ordered to pay $1182.50 in costs.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, emphasised that unlicensed electrical work is illegal and dangerous.

“It is unacceptable that this company and individual continued to provide electrical services when the person did not hold any electrical licence, which is an essential part of ensuring safety and compliance,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“Individuals with a restricted electrical licence must only work within the scope of that particular licence to ensure their safety and the consumer’s.

“Homeowners and businesses should check that anyone undertaking electrical work at their property has a current electrical licence for that task.”

A searchable register of licensed electrical contractors and electrical workers is available at the Building and Energy website or via the Service WA app.

For more information, refer to Building and Energy’s fact sheet on R&AC restricted electrical licences.

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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au