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Staff Reporter
Property managers and landlords in Western Australia should be aware that fines of up to $100,000 now apply if safety switches aren’t installed in rental properties, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) said.
“The law was changed in 2009 to make the installation mandatory in all rental properties and the two-year transition period has now expired,” said general manager of NECA Western Australia, Kyle Kutasi. “This means landlords could face prosecution if they have failed to have safety switches installed on both the power and lighting circuits.”
He said the installation of residual current devices, or safety switches as they are commonly known, are now required by law.
“NECA is calling on all landlords, tenants and managing agents to ensure the safety devices have been installed.”
NECA said that electrical inspectors will monitor compliance with the regulations and respond to any complaints. Penalties of up to $15,000 for individuals and $100,000 for bodies corporate may apply if residual current devices are not fitted.
An electrical inspection by an electrician can determine if a property has residual current devices fitted. If there is no device fitted, landlords or managing agents can contact a licensed electrical contractor to have the devices fitted.
“The requirement to have safety switches in all new homes and homes that have had significant renovations has been in the Australian Wiring Rules and therefore mandatory for many years.”
“It is now time for landlords and agents ensure that tenants have the same level of protection.”
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