If a licensed electrician comes across a defect that poses a risk of shock or fire, they have a legal duty to report it. Building and Energy, the WA energy safety regulator, sets out that duty in a fact sheet for electrical workers. This is our plain-language summary. [1]
The rule
Under regulation 62(1) of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, an electrical worker who comes across a defect in an electrical installation or equipment that poses a risk of shock or fire must report it as soon as practicable. [1]
Failing to report a defect that makes the installation or equipment unsafe is a breach of the same regulation. [1]
Defects the fact sheet names
The fact sheet says such defects include, but are not limited to: [1]
- unenclosed electrical joints in ceiling spaces
- degraded wiring insulation
- recessed light fittings that are not installed to prevent excessive temperature rise of the light fitting or its auxiliary equipment
It also says that fitting an RCD is not acceptable, on its own, as an effective remedial action for these defects. [1]
What the electrician must do
- Report the defect to the owner or occupier.
- Let the owner or occupier know that the defect is required to be reported to the network operator.
- Report the defect to the relevant network operator. Where the network operator cannot be identified, the relevant network operator is Building and Energy.
- If working for an employer, such as an electrical contractor or in-house licence holder, make sure the employer is also aware of the defect.
[1]
Where unenclosed joints or degraded wiring insulation have already been rectified, no report to the network operator is required. Any unsafe and dangerous defects must be reported to the network operator. [1]
The fact sheet also says it is not the electrical worker’s responsibility to inspect parts of the installation they are not working on, although this can be done with the owner’s permission. [1]
Network operator numbers
The fact sheet lists Western Power on 13 13 51 and Horizon Power on 13 23 51. [1]
Talk to us
Elysium Electrical Contractors is a licensed Perth electrical contractor, Licence EC 16523. We carry out electrical safety inspections and fault finding. See our safety inspections page. Call 08 9930 2061 or send us an enquiry.
Sources (read on 24 October 2026)
- Building and Energy, Reporting defects in electrical installations and equipment (August 2023): wa.gov.au
Summary written by Elysium in our own words from the official fact sheet. Elysium is not connected to Building and Energy.
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with Building and Energy on 1300 489 099.
