Stay safe doing DIY
We’re a nation that’s big on DIY, but no one loves a DIY disaster. Working with power or near power lines can be very dangerous if safety precautions are not taken seriously.
For the sake of yourself, your family, and your friends, please take care and follow these safety measures at all times when working on DIY projects.
Look Up! Perform an overhead check of your surroundings before working near electricity to avoid you or your equipment coming into contact with any live wires or other electrical equipment that could be energised. If your project requires you to work near power lines, you can request our Safe Disconnect service. This disconnection and reconnection service is free during business hours. Read more.
Locate any underground cables before you dig. Underground cables can carry high voltages of electricity, and if damaged by a spade or excavator can cause serious injury or death. Additionally, you could be liable for the costs associated with repairing cables that you damage. Avoid the risk – utilise the free beforeUdig service before completing your works.
Repair or replace any damaged equipment. This includes frayed, melted, or broken power cords.
Ensure your equipment is outdoors safe. Prior to taking anything electrical outside, ensure it has been designed for use outdoors. Remember also to use an isolating transformer or RCD (residual current device) when working outdoors.
Check before you cut any unruly trees or other vegetation encroaching on power lines. Trimming or felling trees around power lines is very dangerous and could result in electrocution or serious injury. While it’s ok to trim a tree that’s more than four meters away from overhead lines yourself, any part of a tree that’s within four meters of a power line must be, by law, trimmed by an approved arborist for everyone’s safety. Read more about trees near powerlines, including your responsibilities as a tree owner here.