Media Release
NECA emphasises importance of using registered electrical contractors
to ensure safe homes
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has released a statement today
reinforcing the need for homeowners to ensure electrical work is completed by a registered
electrical contractor, following Archicentre’s recent survey findings that nearly one-third of
Australian homes have electrical faults.
The findings, based on a survey of 100,000 homes across Australia over the past five years, link
faulty electrical wiring to many of the 11,000 house fires reported in Australia on average each
year. The wiring is often very old and in many cases has been installed illegally.
Mr James Tinslay, chief executive officer of NECA National said, “Because of the inherent risks of
electricity, all state and territory governments have legislation in place which regulates who can
install, maintain and repair electrical installations. Electrical installation work can only be
undertaken by licensed electricians who must comply with the Wiring Rules released by Standards
Australia in 2007 and provide customers with a Certificate of Electrical Safety that certifies their
work has been carried out in accordance with the Electricity Safety Act and Regulations.”
“Homes with faulty wiring are potential death traps for residents,” Mr Tinslay said. “We recommend
that homeowners who are unsure of the age and quality of the wiring in their homes organise a
complete inspection of their electrical wiring by a registered electrical contractor – for the safety of
the people living in their home and their own peace of mind.”
You can check on whether an electrician or electrical contractor is properly licensed in your state
by contacting the appropriate state or territory licensing authority listed on the NECA website at
NECA is the peak body for the electrotechnology contracting industry, representing the interests of
electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide, from employers and business people to
technicians. The Association actively represents the needs and entitlements of contractors at all
levels of government and industry and provides more than 5,000 members nationwide with up-to-
date industry-relevant information including current training, occupational health and safety,
industrial and legislative requirements.
Ends
For further media information:
Julie Stephens, Stephens Public Relations
Tel: (03) 9391 4603
0413 119 673
30 January 2009
NEWS 
