CRU secures prosecution against illegally undertaken electrical works

The CRU prosecuted Michael Smith of Ryefort, Carrickaboy, Co Cavan for carrying out illegal electrical works on a domestic property and falsely claiming to be a registered electrical contractor (REC) at Dublin Metropolitan District Court.

Mr Smith pleaded guilty to three separate offences at Dublin Metropolitan District Court on 21st October 2024. Judge Anthony Halpin was informed on behalf of the CRU that Mr Smith indicated to the homeowners prior to commencing work that he was an electrician and that he would carry out the electrical work. The scope of the work included a full-rewire of the existing part of the house and electrical installation in the extension. Mr Smith installed new electrical outlets, lights and a new distribution board.

Evidence in the form of photographs taken by CRU Electrical Investigation Officer, Jonathan Clare, were shown to the Court indicating that the electrical works were left unfinished and in a state of disrepair. The Court was told on behalf of the CRU that there were multiple live exposed cables and terminations. There was no protective bonding visible on exposed copper pipes. In addition the distribution board was higher than permissible by national wiring rules. The ESB fuse had no ESB seal. As a result a Notice of Potential Hazard was issued by the CRU.

It became apparent that Mr Smith was not a registered electrical contractor when the homeowners engaged other electricians to complete the installation and carry out remedial electrical work.

Mr Smith’s counsel advised the Court that he has become a registered electrical contractor since May 2024, which was after the works as set out above were carried out. She added he was let down by an electrician and was under financial pressure at the time, but that he takes sole responsibility for his illegal actions.

Judge Halpin accepted that there was a real public safety risk including that of electric shock as a result of the substandard works completed on the fuseboard and the live exposed wiring.

In light of the fact that he had no previous convictions and taking into account his guilty plea, Judge Halpin directed that Mr Smith discharge costs of €750 to the CRU and €250 charitable donation to Little Flower Penny Dinners. If these are paid by 27th January 2025 the Court will give Mr Smith the benefit of section 1 (1) of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907.

It is illegal for a person or company to carry out Restricted Electrical Works or to falsely portray themselves as registered, unless they are a Registered Electrical Contractor with the Safe Electric Scheme.

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.