A Perth campervan renovator has admitted carrying out unlicensed electrical work during a vehicle conversion by installing 240-volt wiring and equipment, which was found to be defective.
Following prosecution by Building and Energy, the renovator was fined $3,000 and ordered to pay $647.15 in costs at Fremantle Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to breaching WA鈥檚 Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991.
The man is not named because the court granted a spent conviction.
The court heard the business provided a quote for a campervan conversion involving installation of a 240-volt electrical system that included an inlet socket, power outlets and residual and overcurrent protection.
By law, this work must only be carried out by a licensed electrical worker employed by a licensed electrical contractor. The renovator has never held an electrical worker鈥檚 licence in WA.
When the vehicle owner later reported electrical issues, a Building and Energy electrical inspector identified several defects including single-insulated conductors and poorly installed cabling.
In court on 22 November 2024, Magistrate Nicholas Lemmon said the renovator was aware the work required electrical specialists, but 鈥渢ook a shortcut鈥 on this occasion. His Honour noted the man鈥檚 guilty plea, acceptance of responsibility, lack of previous offences and cessation of campervan conversion work since the incident.
WA鈥檚 Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the case showed why licensing requirements are in place for electrical work.
鈥淎t least four years of training and experience are required to become a licensed electrical worker,鈥 Mr Abdoolakhan said. 鈥淭heir work also involves mandatory checks, tests and certification to ensure safety and compliance.鈥
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
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