Electrical safety
In an emergency
- Do not touch anyone who is receiving an electric shock
- Turn off the power or try to separate the victim from the power source using a non-conductive item (like a wooden-handled broom). Do not use metal items
- Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Electrical safety switches
Safety switches are designed to prevent an electric shock.
A safety switch will automatically shut off the electricity when current is detected leaking from faulty switches, wiring or appliances. This stops the current flowing to earth through a person and electrocuting them.
How do I get a safety switch?
Contact a licensed electrician to install your safety switch.
Electrical work is never a do-it-yourself job—it's dangerous and illegal.
How do I know if I have a safety switch?
Electrical safety in a storm
- Make sure your home is fitted with surge protectors and lightning conductors
- Before the storm arrives, disconnect
- external aerials and power leads to radios and televisions
- computers, modems and their power leads.
- Keep a torch handy in case you lose power
- If power is lost, turn off and unplug electrical items
- Listen to your local radio station for power restoration updates
- Avoid using fixed (land-line) telephones
- Be aware of fallen powerlines
- Do not use wet or damp electrical items.
Report a problem
Report a fallen powerline or outage.
Electrical safety at home
Appliances
- If the appliance is for indoor use only, do not use outdoors
- Do not immerse the appliance in water unless it was designed to be
- Do not use electrical appliances in the rain
- Make sure you have dry hands when operating an electrical appliance
- Do not use a damaged appliance
- Remove from the socket-outlet before any cleaning or maintenance is done
- Do not use if the power cord or plug is damaged
- Do not use damaged extension cords, power boards or plugs.
Around water
Take extreme care when using electrical equipment near water.
- Make sure your home has a safety switch
- If equipment is not designed to operate in water, make sure it cannot fall or slide in
- Install mains-operated equipment, like pumps, lights and appliances, according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Submersible pumps must be the earthed type or 12 volts
- Keep extension leads, cords or electrical appliances out of the water.
Contact the Electrical Safety Infoline on 13 00 65 06 62 for more information.