$42,000 penalty welcomed by licensed electricians

NECA, the National Electrical and Communications Association, has welcomed the decision to convict and impose penalties of $42,000 against a man who posed as electrician and carried out work on 19 commercial and residential units in Sydney.

“The prosecution of unlicensed and unqualified people who undertake electrical work is welcomed by the industry," said NECA NSW and ACT chief executive, Lindsay Le Compte.

"This case should also send a strong message to the community that anyone who does not have a licensed electrical contractor undertake work for them is placing their own lives and that of others at risk," he said.

NSW Fair Trading reports Ferras Aridah, trading as Active Spark Electrical Services, carried out unlicensed electrical wiring work on 19 units in a building in Rozelle, between September 2006 and May 2008. [$42,000 penalty a shock for unlicensed electrician 02/02/10]

"NECA members want shonky operators kicked out of the industry and it is pleasing that the Office of Fair Trading is taking this issue seriously.

"Qualified electrical contractors spend an enormous amount of money, time and effort to ensure the safety of workers and clients," Mr Le Compte said.

To obtain a license, electricians must undertake four years onsite training as well as study with an accredited educational institution such as TAFE NSW.

NECA recommends that customers ask electricians to produce their electrical licence as well as use Fair Trading's online register of contractors to check if the licence is legitimate and current.

NECA also manages a free Find an Electrician service on its website, www.neca.asn.au.

"Only fully licensed and qualified electrical contractors of good character are accepted as members of National Electrical and Communications Association," Mr Le Compte said.

NECA is the peak national industry association for contractors in the electrotechnology industry. It represents more than 5,000 contractors who employ more than 50,000 people.