A house in Coolbellup, Perth, was fully alight when firefighters arrived shortly before 11pm on 11 December 2020. The West Australian reported that investigators later determined the accidental fire was sparked by a faulty power point. The report did not specify how the power point failed.
What happened in the Coolbellup fire?
Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to a rental property on Hermione Way, Coolbellup, just before 11pm. Four crews found the single-storey home fully alight. The West Australian reported that it took 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control and that the fire caused more than $300,000 in damage. Police, St John Ambulance, Western Power and ATCO also attended. No one was injured.
In its report published on 11 December 2020, journalist Sarah Steger said investigators determined the fire was accidental and had been sparked by a faulty power point. The report did not name the investigators or provide technical findings. It does not establish the specific failure mechanism, who owned or occupied the home, or whether the fault involved the outlet itself, its installation, age, damage or another cause.
What should you do if a power point seems faulty?
Do not use a damaged or suspect power point, and do not try to replace it yourself. Western Australian Building and Energy guidance states: “Damaged switches, power points and light fittings are dangerous and must be replaced.” Contact a licensed electrical contractor to assess the issue and carry out the required work.
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WA guidance requires relevant electrical work to be done by a person with the appropriate electrical licence. For electrical installation work, contractors generally must issue an electrical safety certificate within 28 days, although the government guidance describes exceptions, including maintenance work and like-for-like replacement of electrical equipment. Ask the contractor what requirements apply to the work being done.
How do power-point repairs, RCDs and smoke alarms differ?
These measures have different purposes: a damaged fixed power point needs assessment and repair or replacement; an RCD is a switchboard safety device; and a smoke alarm warns occupants when smoke is detected. One does not substitute for another.
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- Power-point repair: A licensed electrical contractor assesses and replaces a damaged fixed outlet.
- RCD: WA safety-switch guidance says at least two RCDs are required at the main switchboard. Contact a licensed electrical contractor about installation or a problem found during testing. The available guidance does not establish that an RCD would have prevented the Coolbellup fire.
- Smoke alarm: DFES recommends photoelectric smoke alarms, and WA guidance says alarms must comply with Australian Standard AS 3786. Mains-powered alarms must be connected by a licensed electrician. Requirements vary depending on circumstances such as whether a home is newly built, significantly renovated, sold, rented or hired. An alarm provides warning; it does not fix or prevent an electrical fault.
What should you do if an electrical fire starts?
DFES advises not to use water on an electrical fire. Turn off power only if it is safe to do so, get away from the danger and call 000. If you are concerned about faulty electrical installation or repairs, contact a licensed electrical contractor.
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