Meter Isolation Links – risks to licensed electrical workers and others

The Electrical Safety Office has been made aware of a number of instances where Meter Isolation Links have been incorrectly mounted on switchboard panels resulting in exposed live parts. This has occurred when electrical workers have mounted the Meter Isolation Link/s with metal screws through and in contact with the brass terminal blocks which form part of the Meter Isolation Link. This practice creates a very dangerous situation with exposed live metal fixing screws protruding through the switchboard panel which could result in a person receiving an electric shock.

This inappropriate work practice is defined as a "Dangerous Electrical Event" under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and is reportable to the Electrical Safety Office. Meter Isolation Links are manufactured with a mounting hole in the base for safe and secure mounting on a switchboard panel. The right hand picture below highlights the correct mounting point of a typical Meter Isolation Link.

Peter Lamont

Executive Director
Electrical Safety Office

13 August 2010