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Safety With Electricity

Why is Electrical Safety so Important?

For the protection of those on your property it is important that you maintain safe electrical services.

Electricity is dangerousEnsure that your installation is maintained in a safe condition – an electric shock, a fuse blowing repeatedly, a circuit breaker operating repeatedly, sparking, spluttering or overheating of appliances are indicators of faulty connections to equipment or wiring to your
premises. Have these checked by a qualified electrician.

Any works carried out on installations on your property must be carried out by a qualified trades person. Be sure to ask for your copy of the installation test certificate as this is you guarantee that work has been done to standard.

Earthing

The earth wire in any electrical appliance may be your ‘lifeline’. If an appliance is not properly earthed the power may flow through the user’s body and may cause a fatal shock.

Appliances

If in doubt about an appliance, or if it requires adjustment or cleaning, switch it off at the power point and pull out the plug. Always pull out by the plug, never by the cord.

Appliance Cords

Frayed or damaged cords are dangerous. Discard them and replace them with safe, insulated three core flex.

Power Points

A stack of plugs connected to double adaptors is simply foolish. Having another power point installed is cheaper than a fire.

Extension Cords

Extension cords must be properly wired using modern approved three-pin plugs and sockets. Never use a twin cord flex as an extension cord.

Overhead Electricity Lines

Never play near powerlines. If something gets caught in overhead wires, notify Power and Water and they will retrieve it for you.

Seek advice from Power and Water before removing vegetation around electricity lines and keep all structures and vehicles clear of all electricity lines at or over your property.

Fallen Wires

There are three safety rules for fallen wires.

  • Stand well clear.
  • Stand guard to prevent other people from going near the wires.
  • Send someone to call Power and Water on Emergency 1800 245 090 or the Police, if you are alone wait for someone to pass by and ask them to assist.