Electrical licensing disciplinary action
In November 2023, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against 12 licence holders:
Case 1: An electrical worker performed and supervised electrical work at a commercial location. The work included installing a new switchboard, final subcircuits supplying light and power outlets, and disconnecting and removing redundant electrical equipment.
The electrical worker failed to correctly identify, isolate, lockout and tag final subcircuits suppling socket outlets where work was to be performed. In addition, the worker failed to ensure the equipment was tested by a competent person to decide whether or not it was energised.
As a result, a second-year electrical apprentice received an electric shock when they came into contact with an energised conductor while changing a socket outlet.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months, and the worker was ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a caution and a $400 penalty, in addition to receiving an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $200.
Case 2: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform work at a commercial location. The work included installing a new switchboard, final subcircuits supplying light and power outlets, and disconnecting and removing redundant electrical equipment.
The electrical contractor failed to ensure the correct identification, isolation lock out and tagging of final subcircuits suppling socket outlets where work was to be performed. In addition, the contractor failed to ensure the equipment was tested by a competent person to decide whether or not it was energised.
As a result, a second-year electrical apprentice received an electric shock when they came into contact with an energised conductor while changing a socket outlet.
The contractor’s license was suspended for six months. All QTPs were required to complete mandatory training in competency units and the contractor undertake 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 an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $3,600.
Case 3: An electrical worker performed work at a commercial location including installing a 32KW PV solar system on the roof.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result, the PV system was connected and energised with multiple non compliances. Failing to maintain the correct IP rating of the electrical equipment allowed moisture to enter the DC isolator enclosures, causing tracking across the DC connections which resulted in a fire.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months, and the worker was required to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was disqualified from being a QTP for a 12 months and issued a caution and a $500 penalty, in addition to an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $200.
Case 4: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform work at a commercial location including installing a 32KW PV solar system on the roof.
The contractor failed to ensure the installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result, the PV system was connected and energised with multiple non compliances. Failing to maintain the correct IP rating of the electrical equipment allowed moisture to enter the DC isolator enclosures, causing tracking across the DC connections which resulted in a fire.
The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $1000 penalty, in addition to an infringement notice from the ESO totalling $500.
Case 5: An electrical worker performed work at a commercial location including installing a three-phase PV solar system and a new main switchboard and submains to a distribution board.
The worker failed to ensure the installation was safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result, the distribution board was energised with an open circuit submain neutral connection, creating a rise in potential on the earthing system. Employees received electric shocks when they contacted metallic plumbing fittings.
The worker’s licence was suspended for four months, and the worker was required to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was disqualified as a QTP for four months and required to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $1,000 penalty.
Case 6: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform work at a commercial location including installing a three-phase PV solar system and a new main switchboard and submains to a distribution board.
The electrical contractor failed to have systems in place to ensure the installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result, the distribution board was energised with an open circuit submain neutral connection, creating a rise in potential on the earthing system. Employees received electric shocks when they contacted metallic plumbing fittings.
The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months. All QTP’s were required to complete mandatory training in competency units and the contractor was required to complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $2,000 penalty in addition to an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $800.
Case 7: An electrical worker performed work at a domestic property including installing new hard wired smoke alarms.
The electrical worker failed to identify, isolate and lockout the final subcircuits and failed to ensure the equipment that had been de-energised was not inadvertently re-energised while work was being carried out.
As a result, an apprentice received an electric shock when they contacted an energised active and neutral conductor.
The worker’s licence was suspended for four months and the worker was required to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $800 penalty in addition to an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $200.
Case 8: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform electrical work at a domestic property including installing new hard wired smoke alarms.
The electrical contractor failed to ensure a safe system of work was implemented to identify, isolate and lockout the final subcircuits and to ensure the equipment that had been de-energised was not inadvertently re-energised while work was being carried out.
As a result, an apprentice received an electric shock when contacting an energised active and neutral conductor.
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 9: An electrical worker performed electrical work at a residential property including the electrical fit off, testing, and energising of the electrical installation.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result the electrical worker connected and energised an installation with serious defects.
The worker’s licence was suspended, and the worker must complete competency assessment - UEEEL0030 - Design install and verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations (Electrotechnology Training Package) and demonstrate competency in all elements before the suspension is lifted. The worker was disqualified from being a QTP on a contractor licence for a period of five years. The worker was issued with a severe reprimand and a $2,000 penalty. The disciplinary action will be listed on the licensing public register for three years.
Case 10: An electrical contractor performed electrical work at a residential property including the electrical fit off, testing, and energising of the electrical installation.
The contractor failed to ensure the installation was safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result the contractor connected and energised an electrical installation with serious defects.
The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months 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 $4,000 penalty in addition to an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $800.The disciplinary action will be included on the licensing public register for three years.
Case 11: An electrical worker performed electrical work at a residential property including replacing all light fittings, fans, power points, switches and upgrading the switchboard with safety switch protection on all final subcircuits.
The worker failed to ensure the installation was safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result a circuit suppling socket outlets was energised with an open circuit earth. The earthing contact of socket outlets must be effectively connected to earth.
The worker’s licence was suspended for four months, and the worker must complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $1,000 penalty in addition to an infringement notice from the ESO totaling $800.
Case 12: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform electrical work at a residential property including replacing all light fittings, fans, power points, switches and upgrading the switchboard with safety switch protection on all final subcircuits.
The contractor failed to have systems in place to ensure the installation was safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result a circuit suppling socket outlets was energised with an open circuit earth. The earthing contact of socket outlets must be effectively connected to earth.
The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a caution and a $1,200 penalty.