Electrician fined $13,000 for dangerous work

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A Wanganui electrician has had his electrician's registration suspended and was fined more than $13,000 after being found guilty of carrying out dangerous work.

Christopher David Gainford of Aramoho, Wanganui, was investigated by the Electrical Workers Registration Board [EWRB] late last year after two complaints were made against him.

The complaints related to dangerous electrical wiring work on switchboards at properties in Wanganui and Palmerston North in 2012 and 2013.

John Sickels, registrar of the EWRB, said the work could have resulted in serious harm to a person or damage to property.

He said Mr Gainford did not have a current practising licence, and at one of the properties he provided a false certificate of compliance.

Mr Sickels added: "When work is finished, people should ask for certification of work done.

"Electrical workers are required by law to certify certain work. The certification is a public assurance that the work has been carried out by an authorised person and that it complies with the safety requirements."

Mr Gainford was ordered to pay fines totalling $13,000 plus costs of $500 to the board.

He has also had his registration suspended for at least two years, and must pass the Electrician's Regulations examination.