Overhead Power Lines, Isolating Transformers, Electricity Safety Marlborough Lines, Blenheim

General Safety Hints for Around the Home

When you're using electricity it pays to keep alert at all times.

Before you clean, move or adjust any electrical appliance you should switch it off at the wall

When using an electrical appliance make sure that the cord is away from anything that can damage it.

BRIGHT IDEAS for
Safety in the Home
Safety on the Farm

Cracked or Faulty Plugs
Cracked or faulty plugs should be replaced immediately - using the correct wiring procedure. Incorrect wiring can cause electric shock or fire. In many cases it may be just as cheap, safer and more convenient to renew the entire plug and flex.

Extension Cords
Check all extension cords for frayed cords. If the cord is damaged in any way have it repaired or replace it.

Overloaded Sockets
Overloaded sockets are a potential fire starter. Never put too many plugs into an electric socket - instead if you need to use more appliances, use a multi-socket board with an overload protection device.

Electric Blankets
Electric blankets should be checked before use.

Danger Signs
Warm or hot switches, sockets or electrical flexes suggest that something is wrong. Disconnect immediately and have a registered electrical tradesperson check them out. Treat any tingle as a warning. If you receive a tingle when you're using a switch, putting in a plug, or from equipment such as a stainless steel sink bench or tap, it's a sign that something is wrong. Immediately disconnect the appliance and have it checked by a registered electrical tradesperson.

Before you do any electrical work around your home or repair an electrical appliance, please read this:

You are legally permitted to do a certain amount of electrical work around your home but only if it involves the home you own and occupy. It does not apply to any other home or commercial property you might own. The law also permits the owner of any electrical appliance to carry out electrical work on that appliance, provided that it is used principally for domestic purposes by the owner or near relative.

Faulty electrical work has serious, often fatal consequences. At all times it's vital for your safety and the safety of your family that you know what you're doing is correct. Never do any electrical work unless you are sure you have the skills and knowledge you need.

What type of electrical work are you allowed to complete yourself?

The type of electrical work that you are legally entitled to do in the home you own and occupy is as follows:

- Replace fuse links and fuse wires with correct size

- Remove and replace accessories such as switches, sockets and lighting outlets to fixed wiring

- Disconnect and reconnect permanently wired appliances

- Relocate existing switches, sockets or lighting outlets, but only if they are wired in tough plastic sheathed circuits (TPS circuits) and provided the circuit is not required to be extended in anyway

- Install, extend or alter sub-circuits, including sub-mains, provided that all work is tested, certified and connected by a registered electrical inspector after completion of the job and before the circuit is livened

- Repair domestic appliances belonging to you that are principally for domestic use by either yourself or a near relative

For further information refer to the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practices (NZECP50/51).

-Before beginning any electrical work always ensure that the wiring or appliance is not connected to a power supply

-When purchasing any electrical fixtures and fittings that have instructions with them, check with the supplier that the instructions are written for New Zealand conditions, eg, colour coding for wiring. If in doubt check with Marlborough Lines or a registered electrical tradesperson.

-If you meant the legal requirements to undertake the necessary electrical work yourself but you need further information on how to do it safely, please contact Marlborough Lines or a registered electrical tradesperson - don't take any chances.

Electricity Use Outdoors
The convenience and portability of electricity means that it is put to many uses outside the home. However there are a number of potential dangers so always ensure the correct safety procedures are used.

Isolating Transformers and RCD’s
For your own safety whenever you're using an electrical appliance outside or in damp conditions you should use an isolating transformer or Residual Current Device (RCD). An isolating transformer protects you from shocks by providing an electricity supply that is isolated from earth. For maximum protection the transformer should be placed as near as possible to the wall socket. This means that both the power tool you're using, and the extension lead, are protected by the isolating transformer.

A 1.5 kVA transformer can supply 6.5 amps A 2 kVA transformer can supply 8.7 amps A 3 kVA transformer can supply 13.0 amps RCD's, also known as safety switches or Earth Leakage Circuits Breakers, can be portable units or permanently installed into electrical sockets and should be used in any outdoor situation where there may be water, including swimming pools. The same standard of care should be applied to old or damaged flexes and fittings for workshop tools as for household appliances. If in doubt, throw them out or have them repaired.

Caravan Safety
Electrical connections to caravans can be a real danger. Use only one continuous extension flex, connected with an approved plug and sockets on both the caravan and at the electricity supply end. Caravans must have a current warrant of electrical fitness and remember to always plug into an approved caravan outlet.

Overhead Power Lines
You should always be aware of the possible dangers of overhead power lines. Never climb on a roof or in trees where there are live wires nearby.

Kites
Its important that you and your children are aware of the dangers of flying kites near power lines. Contact with power lines could cause serious injury or death from electric shock - so always stay well away from power lines when flying kites. You can further reduce the risks by using only proper string and making sure the string is dry. Never use a cord with conducting wire inside.

Working Around Overhead Power Lines.
Contact Marlborough Lines before painting, trimming trees or doing any work around power lines. We will make the area safe by isolating the supply to protect you against electric shocks while you are working. This service is free of charge. If you are using a machine such as a crane or an excavator you must not work within 4 metres in any direction of an overhead power line. You can only work closer if you have written permission from us. Again this costs nothing. We will visit the site and check out the risks at no cost to you.

If an overhead line is broken during a storm or an accident you must stay well away. Contact Marlborough Lines Fault Service and advise us of the location. We will disconnect the power supply to make the area safe. If you are attending a motor vehicle accident near power lines always check to see if the accident has damaged the power lines or power pole. If you are helping people at the accident site be especially careful of low hanging or damaged power lines. Remember; our fault service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone 577 7007.