Further prosecution of unlicensed electrical worker

An unlicensed electrical worker has been convicted and fined in the Manukau District Court this week, following a prosecution brought by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

EWRB Registrar John Sickels says on Monday 17 December, the man pleaded guilty to 16 charges under the Electricity Act 1992. The first charge related to performing prescribed electrical work, including the installation of light and socket fittings and installing earth electrodes at a residential address in Auckland. An electrician received an electric shock from one of the light fittings the defendant had installed.

The remaining 15 charges related to prescribed electrical work at 15 other residential addresses at an Auckland subdivision over a period of more than two years. The Mount Wellington man had completed 15 Certificates of Compliance using another registered electrical worker’s registration number. At sentencing on Monday, the man received a $16,500 fine.

John Sickels says the EWRB was established in 1992 and is responsible for the ongoing competency of more than 30,000 registered electrical and electronic workers in New Zealand. Part of the function of the Board is to exercise disciplinary powers and bring prosecutions where necessary under the Electricity Act 1992.

He says all consumers should be aware that registered and licensed electricians must do prescribed electrical work. The role of the EWRB is to help keep consumers safe and ensure that high quality electrical work is being carried out across New Zealand.

A new mobile-friendly website has recently been revamped to help make life easier for both consumers and electricians, which contains everything electricians need to know about certification requirements and what consumers need to know about what electrical work can be done DIY and what needs to be carried out by a registered electrician.

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