An electrical contractor in Cork has been hit with a €4,000 fine after being found guilty of carrying out illegal electrical works.

The man in question, Frank Power, was given a criminal conviction for illegally carrying out designated electrical works without being a registered electrical contractor (REC) with Safe Electric.

The District Court in Cork heard evidence that the electrical works were not in accordance with the National Wiring Rules and had the potential to cause serious injury to the homeowner and his family. In addition, it was noted Mr Power was uncooperative with the investigation and refused to attend for interview in relation to the investigation on three separate occasions.

-- Advertisement --

Judge Con O'Leary fined Mr Power €3,000 for the offences of illegally undertaking designated electrical works and describing himself in a manner likely to suggest he was registered. He also ordered him to pay costs of €1,000 plus VAT to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

It is illegal for an individual or company to carry out Restricted Electrical Works or to portray themselves as registered, unless they are an REC with Safe Electric. The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to €15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years. Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken electrical works or has portrayed themselves as a REC should visit www.safeelectric.ie.

(CM/JG)