IS YOUR HOME SAFE?

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

CONTENTS
Introduction 3 Overhead power lines and service lines 13

Electricity in your home 4 Check before you dig 13

Electrical surges 4 Powerlines and tree safety 13

Concealed cables 5 Private power poles 13

Is my electrician licensed? 5 Christmas lights or party lighting 14

Home renovations 5 Generators 14

RCDs (safety switches) 6 Vehicle accidents and power lines 14

Does my home have an RCD? 6 Useful contacts 14

Portable RCDs 6

Test your RCD every three months 6

Buying, selling or renting a house, flat or unit 6

Smoke alarms 7

Have you checked your smoke alarm? 7

Smoke alarm checklist 8

WHO IS NECA WA?
Ceiling spaces 8 The National Electrical and Communications Association
(NECA WA) is the peak industry association representing
Solar power systems 9 the interests of over 700 electrical contractors throughout
Western Australia.
In an emergency 9
It provides its members with electrical industry specific
Wet areas and swimming pools 10 advice on legal, industrial relations, technical, safety,
advocacy and business development issues.
Powerpoints, double adaptors and power boards 11
NECA WA also consists of:
Extension leads 11
• Electrical Group Training (EGT) which is the largest
Buying a home 11 employer of electrical apprentices in Australia and;
• The College of Electrical Training (CET) which is the
Buying electrical appliances 11 largest provider of training to both apprentice and
qualified electricians in the state.
Buying second-hand appliances 12
NECA is a passionate advocate of electrical safety within the
Cleaning appliances and power tools 12 home. Whilst electricity brings great benefits to all our lives,
it also presents some real dangers.
Clothes dryers 12
NECA is proud to present this booklet, which is designed to
Electric blankets and heaters 12 provide your family with some easy to implement safety tips
– encouraging the safe use of electricity and minimising the
Electrical risks outside the home 13 potential risks it can pose.

2 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

INTRODUCTION
Home Electrical Safety Checklist INTRODUCTION
This booklet explains some of the
simple things you can do to make using
You have had RCDs (safety switches) installed and you test
electricity in your home as safe as
them every three months. possible, such as installing RCDs (safety
switches), maintaining your electrical
You have working smoke alarms which you test monthly
equipment and making sure everyone in
and replace the batteries yearly. your home understands how to be safe
with electricity.
You always use a licensed electrician for electrical work.
You never use a power tool, appliance or lead that you Never attempt to do your own electrical
work. There are standards and rules
know is faulty or has a frayed cord.
for installing electrical cabling and
There are no electrical appliances used in wet areas or equipment in any home, which is why
only licensed electrical contractors
near pools.
(electricians) are legally able to do it.
There are no damaged powerpoints or switches in your
You should however know where to turn
home.
the power off at the main switch (or
You always turn the power off before you go into the ceiling switches, if there are several tariffs being
used on the property) on the electrical
space.
switchboard, and how to shut down a
You always switch off a power outlet before you plug in or solar power system, should it be required.

unplug any power tool or appliance.

Ceiling insulation does not cover your downlights.
You are aware of overhead powerlines and service lines –
especially when using ladders.
When not in use, accessible powerpoints have plastic
plugs in them to protect young children.
You teach your kids about being safe with electricity.
Your outside party lights are suitable for outdoor use.
You arrange a check of your solar power system every year.
An electrician has checked the safety of private power
poles on your property in the last five years.
The manufacturer’s instructions for use of electrical
equipment are to hand.
Your home’s earth stake is in good condition.

www.neca.asn.au/wa 3
ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

Electricity comes into your home via overhead service lines discharge, such as a lightning strike, directly to earth. You
or underground electrical cables. Your electricity usage should not remove or tamper with this stake and you should
is measured by meters, before the main feed goes to a check it periodically for corrosion.
switchboard of circuit breakers that control the various
electrical circuits in your home.

Your electricity supplier is responsible for the power

Electrical surges
connections to the electrical point of supply on your premise. As the demand for electricity fluctuates, it can upset the
Excluding your metering equipment, you are responsible for steady flow of electricity and cause surges. Apart from the
any infrastructure, cabling, switchboard or private power poles changes in consumer demand for power, electrical surges
beyond the point of supply. can also be caused by lightning strikes, damage to power
poles and electricity generation. Electrical surges can damage
At your switchboard, the switch labelled ‘main switch’ will turn your electrical equipment, especially computers, TVs and DVD
off all power and lighting circuits in your home. players.

Sometimes a separate tariff will power pool pumps or hot water Devices such as surge protectors can help extend the life of
systems, and this will have a separate switch. Any installed your electrical equipment. A surge protector should not be
RCDs will be on your switchboard and, if your house has a solar confused with an RCD switch, which has a different purpose.
power system, there will be a nearby inverter.
Power surges to electrical equipment from lightning strikes
Your home will also have an ‘earth stake’ in the ground outside, could cause an electric shock if you are using that equipment
with an earth wire attached. The stake can dissipate a static at the time. During a storm, it is best to avoid using sensitive
electrical equipment and telephones.

Dull or flickering lights may indicate a power surge and you

should call your electricity supplier if it continues.
4 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME
Concealed cables Home renovations
One of the greatest risks to home renovators is failing to identify Always take care when doing any home renovations, even if they
live electrical cables in wall cavities. In some cases, cutting do not directly involve electricity, as there may be electrical
holes or driving screws or nails into walls can damage the risks present.
insulation on a cable within the wall, which could result in an
electric shock or fire. Never do your own electrical work. Even if you think you know
what you are doing, if you are unlicensed, it is dangerous and
Prior to drilling check to see whether there is a light switch or illegal. Besides risking an electric shock, you could cause an
socket outlet in the vicinity. Electrical cables supplying this electrical fire that could invalidate your home insurance.
equipment usually run vertically from the floor or ceiling and in
most cases are directly embedded in the wall. Always have a licensed electrician do your electrical work,
including installing a new powerpoint or light fitting, making an
Turn off any circuits near where you are working at the extension lead, repairing an electrical appliance or installing
switchboard. Do not turn the circuits back on until you have electrical cabling.
finished.
Homeowners are restricted to doing things such as changing

Is my electrician licensed? a light bulb, fluorescent tube, fluorescent starter or fuse and
resetting a circuit breaker.

Anyone who does electrical work in Western Australia must It is not against the law for a homeowner to purchase electrical
have an electrical work licence or an electrical contractor accessories or appliances that need to be hard wired, but a
licence (one of the contractor’s licensed electricians can licensed electrician must connect them. It is advisable that the
do the electrical work). It is a legislative requirement for licensed electrician provides the electrical accessories as they
electrical contractors to display their EC licence number on their are likely to purchase from approved wholesalers, who supply
advertisements and invoices. To find a licensed electrician in Australian compliant accessories.
your area, go to NECA WA’s website and click on the ‘Find an
Electrician’ link www.neca.asn.au/wa.

Legislative requirements and technical standards outline how

electrical work must be done. Always ensure that you receive a
safety certificate with each job. The electrical contractor must
provide this to the customer within 28 days of the work being
undertaken and the certificate must provide:

• Details about the electrician

• Details about the electrical equipment or electrical

installation

• A statement certifying the electrical equipment or electrical

installation is electrically safe.

You can check your electrician’s licence to confirm it is valid

and current before they do any work, using the licence search at
www.commerce.wa.gov.au.

If you think the work completed by an electrical contractor or

electrician has not been completed correctly, please contact
EnergySafety on 6251 1900. EnergySafety is a division of the
Department of Commerce. 

www.neca.asn.au/wa 5
RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES
RCDs (also known as safety switches) Portable RCDs
save lives. They monitor the flow of
electricity from the main switchboard and A portable RCD/safety switch unit is
help avoid a serious shock by cutting the ideal where permanent safety switch
electricity supply if an imbalance in the protection is not available. Simply plug
current is detected. Talk to your licensed in your tool or appliance, set the safety
electrician about having one installed if switch, and you’re protected.
they are not present. Ideally you should
have RCDs installed on all circuits. To find
a licensed electrician in your area, go to
NECA WA’s website and click on the ‘Find
an Electrician’ link www.neca.asn.au/wa.
RCDs can prevent many serious electric
shocks, but remember that they are
Buying, selling, renting a house, flat
not a substitute for proper electrical
or unit
maintenance and safe practices.
Homes for sale
Laws introduced in 2009 require all home
Does my home have an RCD? sellers (before sale) and landlords to
Image: Clipsal Switched Power Outlet (485 arrange the installation of at least two
Look for a ‘test’ button on your
series) RCDs, protecting all power points and
switchboard or a button marked with a ‘T’,
lighting circuits.
which will let you know you have an RCD
installed. New homes built after 2000, Test your RCD every three months RCDs must be fitted to protect all power
points and lighting circuits before
renovated homes, rented or leased homes
Test your RCD at least every three months the land title is transferred. If you are
and homes recently purchased must have
to make sure it works properly. Before planning to sell your home and it does not
a residual current device installed.
testing, turn off any appliances on that already have at least two RCDs protecting
RCDs are sometimes confused with circuit
circuit, but leave one appliance on, such all power points and lighting circuits, you
breakers and surge protectors, but they
as a portable lamp or a radio. Check with will need to engage a licensed electrical
are not the same thing. Generally, it will be
everyone in the house before you conduct contractor to fit them to the main
labelled ‘RCD’, ‘ELCB’ or ‘safety switch’.
the test to avoid interrupting their power switchboard or distribution board.
supply.
Renting a home
All you need to do is press the test button Landlords must arrange for at least two
and if it flicks the switch off and cuts RCDs to be installed on the switchboard
the power it is working correctly (check at their rental premises. If RCDs are not
the appliance you left on has stopped fitted then tenants should contact the
Image: Example of a switchboard with
working). If the test button does not managing agent or landlord and request
recommended safety devices
turn the power off, call your licensed that two RCDs be installed.
Understanding your electrical switchboard electrician as soon as possible to have it
can be confusing for many householders. checked. Compliance
For information about understanding your Penalties of up to $15,000 for individuals
switchboard, as well as helpful product After testing, simply turn the switch and up to $100,000 for a body corporate
advice about RCDs, smoke alarms, safety back on. If you have a refrigerator or air may apply if the regulations are breached.
and security , please download a free conditioner on the circuit ensure that you
Clipsal Safety and Security Brochure wait at least three minutes before turning For more information visit www.
from http://www.cleverhome.com.au/ it back on to prevent possible damage to energysafety.wa.gov.au/RCD or call
automation/Clipsal-Home-Basic-Safety- it. 6251 1900.
Security.pdf.
If your RCD ‘trips’ during normal household
electricity use there may be a fault.
To find a licensed electrician in your
Reset the RCD and, if it trips again, try
area, visit www.neca.asn.au/wa and
unplugging the appliances. If it continues,
click on the ‘Find an Electrician’ link.
seek further advice from your electrician.

6 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

SMOKE ALARMS
Tragically each year in Australia there
are over 10,000 house fires resulting
in more than 70 deaths, 1,500 injuries
and millions of dollars worth of property
damage. Many of these homes did not
have a working smoke alarm.

Only working smoke alarms can provide

the critical early warning needed to save
lives and minimise property damage.
When you are asleep you lose your sense
of smell. A smoke alarm is your electronic
nose and will alert you if there is smoke
from a fire.

A small fire can grow to involve an entire

room in just four minutes. A smoke
alarm provides early warning and time to
escape.

All smoke alarms:

• Need to be tested and cleaned

regularly
• Need to be replaced after 10 years.
• DFES recommends photoelectric
smoke alarms.

Smoke alarm regulations require owners

to have mains powered smoke alarms
It is important that you check your battery The Department of Fire and Emergency
fitted to all residential properties in
condition regularly to ensure the best Services (DFES) recommend choosing a
Western Australia that are subject to sale,
protection for you, your family and your common date that occurs every year and
rent or hire. It is the responsibility of the
home. is easy to remember (such as 1 April –
owner to ensure that the smoke alarms
April Fool’s Day). The battery should also
fitted are:
Test Battery - Monthly be replaced if the alarm fails to sound
It is recommended that you test your when you press and hold the test button.
• No more than 10 years old
batteries once a month to ensure that
• In working order
• Permanently connected to mains
they are always in working order. To Replace Smoke Alarm Unit – Every 10
power.
test the battery, press and hold the test years
button. This should be done with the All smoke alarms (regardless of
power switched off. (Smoke detectors manufacturer) have a limited service life,
Have you checked your smoke are usually wired to the lighting circuit, normally ten years. After that period,
alarm? so turn this off at the switchboard). The correct operation of the alarm cannot be
alarm should sound indicating the battery guaranteed. The entire smoke alarm unit
Good quality smoke alarms typically condition is acceptable. If the unit fails to should be replaced with a new one. If your
operate from the mains voltage supply, respond, the battery should be replaced smoke alarm was installed over 10 years
but they generally also contain a backup without delay. ago, please contact a licensed electrician
battery which allows the alarm to remain
to replace your smoke alarm unit. To find
operational even when the power is
cut during a blackout. Like all battery
Replace Battery – Yearly a licensed electrician in your area, go to
From time to time the smoke alarm NECA WA’s website and click on the ‘Find
operated appliances, your smoke alarm
battery must be replaced with a new one. an Electrician’ link www.neca.asn.au/wa.
battery must be checked regularly to
It is recommended that you replace your
make sure that it will still function if there
batteries once a year to ensure that they
is a fire.
will work whenever the need may arise.

www.neca.asn.au/wa 7
SMOKE ALARMS & CEILING SPACES
Smoke Alarm Checklist
Choose high-quality alarms from a reputable supplier
(Clipsal FireTek® recommended).
Install multiple alarms and have them interconnected for
the best protection.
Ensure your alarms are installed by a professional installer.
Choose the correct alarm type for the location. Smoke
alarms work either by optical detection (photoelectric) or
by physical process (ionisation). Photoelectric type smoke
alarms are best suited to bedrooms and lounge and living
areas. Ionisation type smoke alarms are typically installed
in hallways, corridors and home offices.
Test alarm operation and clean the unit regularly (minimum
once per month).
Check battery condition regularly (minimum once per
month) and replace battery yearly.

CEILING SPACES
There are serious electrical safety risks Once you have turned the power off, cables or other electrical equipment in the
in your ceiling space with many electrical secure the main switches in the ‘off’ ceiling space or cause ceiling insulation
cables often located up there. position or label them so no one turns or debris to move near to downlights,
them back on while you are working up which may later cause a fire.
There is one simple thing you can do to there. You should also let someone know
make it safer before you go up into the you are going up into the ceiling space. Using torches and cordless power tools
ceiling space — turn off all the main will avoid the need for the power when
power switches at the switchboard first. When you are up in the ceiling space, you are in the ceiling space. However, if
even with the power off, avoid contact power is required to complete the task,
Some electrical equipment, such as hot with electrical cables as some may still turn off all circuits except the circuit
water systems or stoves, may have a be live, such as the service line or a supplying the powerpoint outlet you plan
separate control switch for that tariff, so solar power system cable that are not to use and make sure it is protected by a
it is safest to turn off all the switches at controlled by the main switch on the safety switch (RCD). Test the safety switch
the switchboard. switchboard. Take care not to damage any before you enter the ceiling.

8 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS
Solar power systems (also known as solar photovoltaic or PV Have an annual inspection by your electrician who can repair any
systems) have two main parts — the solar panels on the roof, damage, fix any loose fittings or replace any exposed cables.
which convert the sun’s energy to direct current (dc) electricity, Never attempt electrical repairs yourself.
and an inverter that alters dc current into 240-volt alternating
current (ac) supply for use in your home. The inspection should check for:
• panels that may have cracked or chipped glass,
Have your solar power system regularly cleaned and maintained discolouration or other obvious defects
to ensure safe and efficient operation. Annual inspections • panels and supporting frames that are not secure
will identify safety issues and will help ensure your system • any faults reported on an inverter’s display panel (refer to
is performing at its best. Solar panels cannot be turned off the manufacturer’s manual for advice)
and produce electricity whenever there is light on them. Care • any debris blocking cooling vents to the inverter
must be taken whenever you are near the panels and it is best • any switch showing discolouration, obvious defects or
to leave work on these parts to experts who understand the being hot to touch
dangers involved. • signage in place that clearly displays the shut down and
isolation procedures
• deteriorating parts of the system, especially cables or
isolators.

In an emergency
A solar power system will continue to generate power during
the day, even after the main power has been disconnected
or the system has been turned off at the switchboard. As a
result, it can pose a risk if damaged during a storm, flood or
fire.

If you need to shut the system down in an emergency,

follow the shutdown procedures which should be located
at the inverter and/or on the main switchboard. Do
not attempt to turn off a solar PV system if any of the
components of the system are wet.

www.neca.asn.au/wa 9
WET AREAS AND SWIMMING POOLS
Regardless of whether it’s a pool, kitchen or bathroom; water
and electricity do not mix. Bare feet and wet skin can make you
more susceptible to electric shock. If you are in a pool, even
a small shock could lead to drowning due to loss of muscle
control.

Using electrical appliances near a pool that are powered through

an electric lead is not a good idea. Move them away from the
pool, use battery powered devices and have appliances such as
lights hard-wired into a circuit.

Using electrical appliances in the bathroom can be dangerous if

the appliance falls into water or it is affected by moisture in the
air.

Follow these simple tips to ensure the safe use of

electrical appliances near water and the safety of
your family:
• Never use any electrical appliance near water or touch
anything electrical with wet hands.
• In the bathroom, switch off and unplug all portable
electric appliances after use and store them away
from powerpoints.
• Do not use portable heaters in bathroom wet areas
— it is best to have a strip heater or a ceiling unit
installed by your electrician.
• Immediately dispose of any electrical appliance that
has been immersed in water or damaged by it.
• Do not use extension leads or power leads near
outdoor wet areas, unless they are specifically
designed for external use.
• Wear rubber or plastic-soled shoes when using
electrical appliances in laundries, on concrete floors
or outdoors.
• Only use a licensed electrician to install and maintain
your pool’s wiring and electrical equipment. Talk to
them about the safest locations for powerpoints and
electrical equipment in a weatherproof structure and
always keep the protective and waterproof covers in
place, except during maintenance.

10 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & APPLIANCES
Powerpoints, double adaptors and power boards Extension leads
Powerpoints are usually at a low level, placing them in easy Different types of leads are available depending on the required
reach for young children. Where young children are present, use. Always use heavy duty leads outdoors. If you are using
use plastic outlet plugs to stop them inserting objects into the power tools or high-pressure water hoses, then the leads to
powerpoint pin sockets. these items should be suitable for outdoor use.

Where powerpoints are likely to be exposed to the elements, Be aware of where extension leads are lying when using electric
have weatherproof powerpoints and switches installed. mowers, brush cutters, line trimmers or hedging tools, or placing
power tools on the ground such as circular saws or angle
Never overload a powerpoint by ‘piggy-backing’ with multiple grinders, so you do not accidentally cut the lead. Always use a
double adaptors. If you need more powerpoints, use a power circuit with an RCD.
board or ask your electrician to install extra powerpoints.
Never make an extension lead yourself. It is illegal and an
Only use power boards with low power items like televisions, incorrectly wired extension lead can cause a serious shock.
videos and stereos and not with high power items such as room
heaters, clothes dryers and washing machines. Simple safety tips include:
• Purchasing extension leads and powerboards that comply
with Australian safety standards (the www.doesitcomply.
com.au website may be of assistance)

• Not running leads through doorways or windows

• Protecting leads from weather and water when using them

• Fully unwinding leads before using them to avoid

overheating

• Checking your leads for signs of damage or fraying and

discarding any damaged ones

• Installing additional powerpoints rather than using leads.

Buying electrical appliances

Importers and manufacturers have duties to ensure the
equipment they supply is electrically safe and suppliers of
electrical equipment have a legal obligation to ensure that
electrical equipment is accompanied by information about its
safe electrical use.

Ask the supplier to confirm the equipment meets electrical Buying a home
safety requirements and check for compliance marks. When buying a home, check the fixed electrical equipment
(such as dishwashers, circuit breakers, ovens, air conditioners,
Do not buy equipment that does not have partial insulated pins. bathroom fan light heaters, swimming pool equipment) is not
Do not buy appliances that need a travel adaptor to plug into a subject to a recall. Visit www.recalls.gov.au.
power point or that have holes in the end of the plug pin.

Take special care when buying equipment over the internet to

ensure it complies with Australian safety standards. It can be
dangerous to buy from overseas sellers who do not comply with
Australian safety requirements.

www.neca.asn.au/wa 11
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & APPLIANCES
Buying second-hand appliances Clothes dryers
Before buying second hand equipment you should check there When used correctly, clothes dryers are convenient and safe but
are instructions on how to use it in an electrically safe way. This in some instances they have caused fires from overheating. To
may include instructions downloaded from the manufacturer’s avoid your dryer overheating you should:
website, but at a minimum should include:
• Install, maintain and use your dryer according to the
• Safe operating instructions manufacturer’s instructions
• Care and maintenance instructions required for electrical • Keep the exhaust duct clear of obstacles to allow hot air to
safety escape
• Any specific instructions of the appliance related to • Clean the lint filter before each use
electrical safety. • Keep area well ventilated during operation
• Never overload your dryer
Second hand sellers are not required to test the appliance to • Avoid using it if it is making unusual noises e.g. rubbing or
prove it is electrically safe before selling it to you, however grinding sounds, or if the drying cycle timer is not properly
they must tell you they have not tested it. If they have had the functioning.
appliance tested by a qualified person they may instead tell
you the results of the test. If you buy a second hand appliance
that has not been tested, have it tested by a licensed electrical
contractor before use.

Cleaning appliances and power tools

Cleaning appliances can be a simple, yet effective, form of
maintenance. Removing the build up of grease or dirt can affect
the electrical functioning of your appliance.

Before cleaning it, turn it off at the powerpoint and unplug. Only
use a damp cloth for cleaning and never immerse an appliance
in water unless advised in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Simple cleaning tips include:

• Keeping hot plates and ovens free of food spillages or
grease
• Removing breadcrumbs and residue from toasters
• Wiping down jugs and kettles
• Removing dust from power tools.

Electric blankets and heaters

Inspect electric blankets and heaters that have been stored
over summer before re-using them. You should:

• Never crease electric blankets

• Never use sharp objects, like safety pins, to secure them in
place
• Discard damaged electric blankets or heaters
• Keep heaters well away from flammable materials, such as
curtains
• Never leave heaters operating unattended, or operating
throughout the night while you are sleeping
• Never use heaters to dry clothing
• Avoid using a plug-in heater in the bathroom or other wet
areas.

12 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

ELECTRICAL RISKS OUTSIDE THE HOME
Overhead power lines and service lines
Before you begin any work outside your
home, be aware of overhead service
Inspections of private overhead
powerlines, especially if you are walking
with long objects or ladders that reach
above your head. If you are cleaning
power lines and poles
It is important that you inspect your private • Inspect steel poles regularly (eg.
out gutters or painting the facia or
power lines and poles (including stay- every year). Steel poles, even if
bargeboards, you should keep well away
wires, fittings and all other components) galvanised, are subject to rust and
from your service line. While these lines
at least once a year to check for any visible should be checked above and below
are usually insulated, the insulation may
signs of deterioration. Never climb a pole, ground for defects; and
become brittle with age and a simple
approach the wires, attempt any electrical • Check all poles for leaning, brackets
knock may cause it to break away and
repairs yourself or cut any vegetation near pulling away from poles/buildings,
expose live wires.
an energised power line. Contact with live damaged stay-wires, split cross-
wires can kill! arms, broken strands in wires,
Powerlines can also sag in extreme heat
damaged insulators or wires hanging
or may sway in a strong breeze.
It is recommended that you: much lower than others in the same
section.
Pools are often placed in prohibited
areas, such as below service lines, or the • Safely remove any vegetation on the
ground close to the base of all power If you come across any of these defects
main switchboard is placed inside the
poles and under the power lines; during a visual inspection, immediately
pool area. Check with your electrician
• Check that trees and branches are arrange for further inspection or repairs by
about prohibited locations or to relocate
at least two metres away from power a licensed electrical contractor.
powerlines and switchboards.
lines. If they are not, arrange for tree
pruning by a competent vegetation If you are a tenant or leasing a property,
If an overhead service line is damaged
control contractor. Check the Yellow notify the property owner, property
or falls to the ground, stay away from
Pages or contact the Tree Guild of WA manager or landlord immediately if a
it, warn others, call triple zero (000) and
for a list of trained contractors; power pole, powerline or equipment
contact your electricity supply authority.
• Check wood poles for obvious requires maintenance or repair.
defects such as poles which are
Check before you dig cracked, damaged, rotting, attacked If you are unsure about the ownership of
by white ants/termites and ask your a power pole, powerline or equipment on
If you have underground electric cables, white ant/termite inspector to treat your property, please contact:
before digging, always check where (if required) the area around the
buried cables are located. A guide is to poles; Western Power 13 10 87
look for electrical equipment that has Horizon Power 1800 267 926
conduits running down external walls
into the ground. There may be a diagram
on the switchboard or in the meter box Powerlines and tree safety Private power poles
indicating where any incoming electrical
supply lines are located.
Avoid planting trees or shrubs under Some homes in Western Australia have
If you think there may be buried cables power lines unless they are ‘power-line power poles on their property that
but you still need to dig, carefully dig friendly’. Check with your local nursery or connects to the electricity network. The
down to the cable depth (typically 500 energy supply authority for a list of trees property owner is responsible for keeping
mm) until you have confirmed its location. suitable to be near or under powerlines. these private power poles and equipment
in a safe condition to avoid an electrical
Be especially careful digging on footpaths Avoid trimming trees or branches near fire or incident.
as many different services may be located powerlines. Always use a professional
there, including high voltage underground arborist or tree pruning specialist who is
cables. Ring the free ‘Dial Before You Dig’ trained to do this work.
service on 1100 or visit www.1100.com.au
for more information.

www.neca.asn.au/wa 13
ELECTRICAL RISKS OUTSIDE THE HOME
Christmas lights or party lighting • Avoid placing temporary lighting • Never connect the generator to your
above or around your pool. home’s fixed wiring, unless you have
When you connect festive or decorative a change-over switch installed by a
lighting in or outside the home: • Keep your lights well clear of licensed electrical contractor — it
overhead powerlines – at least three can be extremely dangerous
• Ensure that the lights are suited to metres away.
external use and are weatherproof. • Only use the generator to run
Lights designed for internal use must • Take care with lights on Christmas portable appliances
not be used outside. trees (keep lights away from parts of
living trees that need to be watered • Never use generators inside
• Inspect any temporary lighting for or decorative trees that children may enclosed spaces, such as garages or
damage before re-using it. think need to be watered). enclosed carports, as you risk carbon
monoxide poisoning.
• Only use power boards fitted with • Do not overload Christmas trees with
overload protection for your lighting, lights, bend the cords too sharply or
not double adapters. place lights near metal decorations
Vehicle accidents and power lines
or tinsel. Vehicle accidents can bring down
• Do not pass electrical leads through overhead powerlines. If there is an
doors or windows where cables may accident near you, it is important to
be damaged.
Generators remember that the vehicle and nearby
fences and trees in contact with the
When using a generator:
• Always turn temporary lighting off fallen powerlines could be live. Advise
when going out, going to bed or • Follow the manufacturer’s vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle
replacing light bulbs. instructions carefully and other bystanders to remain well away
from fallen powerlines. Call triple zero
• Use extra-low voltage equipment • Take care when refuelling the (000) for emergency help.
wherever possible and especially generator (it is best to turn it off
when attaching lights to fences, when refuelling)
metalwork, roofs and downpipes.

USEFUL CONTACTS
For more information about electrical risks in your neighbourhood, contact:
Western Power 13 10 87
13 13 51 - Western Power emergencies
Horizon Power 1800 267 926
Other useful contacts:
Dial Before You Dig 1100 Call 1100 or visit www.1100.com.au
EnergySafety 1800 678 198
Synergy 13 13 53
National Electrical and (08) 6241 6100
Communications Association (NECA)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this brochure is provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon
as constituting legal advice. All reasonable attempts were made to ensure the information was accurate at the time of
publication, but it may be subject to change due to changes in legislation and regulations. You should seek independent legal
advice in relation to your particular circumstances.

14 ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOME

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1 Turn off the power before going into the ceiling space.

2 Check ceiling insulation does not cover down lights.

3 Check that Christmas and party lighting is suitable for outdoor use.

4 Keep your solar power systems functioning safely, and have the system maintained regularly.

5 Look up and live. Be aware of overhead power lines, especially when using ladders.

6 At the switchboard:
• Know how to turn the power off, including equipment such as hot water systems which may be on a separate tariff,
and will have a separate switch.
• RCDs save lives; test yours every three months.
7 Before drilling into walls, be aware of concealed cables.

8 Always use a licensed electrician to do your electrical work.

9 A licensed electrician must install and maintain your pool wiring and electrical equipment.

10 Clean the lint filters in your clothes dryer every time you use it.

11 A portable RCD/safety switch can protect you when a permanent RCD is not available.

12 Check underwater lights for glass cracks or defective seals.

13 Take care when digging near underground wiring.

14 Take extra care when using electrical appliances in wet areas such as kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

15 Have permanent lighting installed for your pool area, rather than using temporary lighting with leads.

16 Only use electrical appliances for their intended purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Kid’s Quiz - can you find the mouse in the house?

www.neca.asn.au/wa 15
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