29th September 2020

Research into the causes of a string of recent electric shock incidents in South Australia has found that almost all could have been prevented by properly installed safety switches.

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called on the South Australian Government to mandate that electrical safety switches be retrofitted in all homes and workplaces across the state following the latest incident in Goodwood this week.

“Our technicians analysed the past 18 electrical shock incidents in South Australia since March this year involving either homeowners or workers and found that 16 of these electrical shocks would have been prevented if a functioning safety switch had been installed,’’ MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said today.

In the most recent incident, an electrician was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after receiving an electric shock while working in the roof space of a beauty salon in Goodwood on Monday.

“While the circumstances of the incident in Goodwood are still being investigated, it again demonstrates that the importance of electrical safety cannot be overstated,’’ Mr Richards said.

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 South Australian 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 South Australian 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.