CRU secures fines and criminal conviction against illegally undertaken electrical works

The CRU has secured a prosecution against Brian White for carrying out illegal electrical works and falsely claiming to be a registered electrical contractor (REC).

Brian White of Eastmount, Sea Road, Arklow received the criminal conviction in Arklow District Court on June 19 for illegally carrying out restricted electrical works on a private family house. Judge Kennedy also took into consideration three counts of falsely portraying himself in a manner likely to suggest he was a REC while not being registered with Safe Electric.

Judge Kennedy commented on the dangerous nature of a number of serious non-conformances that were found and, in the circumstances, imposed a criminal conviction and a fine of €500 plus €750 towards legal costs. The Court heard evidence from Jonathan Clare, Electrical Investigation Officer with the CRU, that inspections found a large number of breaches of the national wiring rules, including exposed live parts within the ESB meter cabinet and the electrical distribution board inside the home, which posed a serious risk to the occupants of the house.

There are approximately 4,000 Registered Electrical Contractors in Ireland. By using a REC, consumers can have confidence that they are dealing with a competent contractor who has the required expertise in electrical safety to ensure the safe operation of their electrical installation. The REC is insured, and a sample of their work is inspected by Safe Electric on an annual basis. A REC must issue you with a completion certificate for electrical works carried out.

The penalties for non-compliance for those caught undertaking the works include a fine of up to €50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken electrical works or has portrayed themselves as a Registered Electrical Contractor should visit www.safeelectric.ie.