15th October 2020

Following the recent spate of electrical incidents and fatalities in Victoria, Master Electricians Australia continues to petition the Victorian state government on the urgent need to pass legislation that mandates the retrofitting of safety switches on all capable domestic and commercial circuits in older homes.

While the new industry standard requires that safety switches are installed on all domestic and commercial circuit, in Victoria it is not mandatory for older homes to have a safety switch installed on each circuit and this poses a severe safety risk.

“After the recent spate of electrical incidents and fatalities in Victoria this should serve as a salient reminder that even qualified electrical professionals can fall victim to electrocution. It also highlights the need to have the most stringent electrical safety standards possible.’’ Mr Richards said today.

Mr Richards said that each year around 15 people across Australia are killed in electrical deaths that could have been prevented by a safety switch, while a further 300 are hospitalised due to electrical injuries.

“If there is any electrical incident, a safety switch will cut the power in just hundredths of a second. Unlike circuit breakers – that protect electrical equipment – safety switches are designed to prevent death or serious injury from electric shocks.’’

Mr Richards called on the Victorian Government to upgrade legislation regarding electrical safety.

“The Australian Wiring rules requires that safety switches are installed on all new domestic and commercial capable circuits. But the current laws only require safety switches on all circuits for new premises with no requirement for older homes which are at greater risk.

“MEA calls on the Victorian Government to commit to passing legislation that mandates the installation of safety switches on all capable domestic and commercial circuits. In the meantime, we urge all owners of domestic and commercial buildings to talk to a Master Electrician about ensuring their home or workplace is fully protected.”

Malcolm Richards is available for interview.
Please phone The SAS Group on 07 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013.

Download a copy of our letter to the minister regarding the safety switch legislation reform.