Overhead powerlines insulation failure
Date issued: 2011-10-14
The Electrical Safety Office has been made aware by Energex of defects in some existing overhead insulated service lines. Routine safety inspections of service lines, which are normally the wires that connect homes and businesses to the electricity power pole, have identified that the insulation casing on some overhead service lines have deteriorated prematurely. The deterioration could result in live electricity conductors being exposed.
Energex has commenced a powerline inspection and replacement program across Southeast Queensland. Distribution entities have been informed of this insulation failure as this may not be restricted to the Energex network.
The deterioration of insulation is most obvious on the upper side of the powerline which is exposed to the direct sun. Therefore a visual inspection to identify this potential deterioration may not be obvious from the ground.
While this failure is relevant to the electricity distribution network operator the supply of this product could extend to the general electrical industry such as a private installation. A particular application in this case would be where an electrical contractor has installed this type of aerial cable from one installation to another.
The Electrical Safety Office reminds workers and the general public to take extra care when in the vicinity of powerlines. Always treat powerlines as live and hazardous.
Home owners or business operators who identify defects in the service wire to the premise should contact their distribution network provider. Where defects are identified in private aerial conductors the owner of the line should contact an electrical contractor.
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Look up and live - powerline voltages are lethal
Peter Lamont
Executive Director
Electrical Safety Office