Fast and safe connection of power in Queensland

Friday, 21 January, 2011

Master Electricians Australia has issued a recommendation that all homes affected by floodwaters should have an inspection by a registered electrical contractor before they are reconnected to the mains power supply. This can be done by calling 1300 889 198 or going to www.masterelectricians.com.au to find a local electrician.

General information on electrical safety in floods is available from Energy Safe Victoria at www.esv.vic.gov.au.

Master Electricians Australia General Manager Andrew Bailey stressed the importance of not allowing unlicensed workers or DIY handyman to interfere with water-affected electrical fittings and appliances, saying the risk to human life was just too great: “There is a very real risk that even homes that appear safe could have hidden electrical dangers.

“These may not appear for weeks - or in some cases months - after the flood has receded, but if they remain undetected, they could cost someone’s life. We do not need to add further to the tragedy that has hit Australia in recent weeks, just for the sake of saving a few dollars.

“We urge homeowners to engage a licensed contractor to check their properties and to test appliances that have been inundated. Do not rely on friends, family or unlicensed handymen to perform this highly specialised work.”

Bailey also warned of the dangers posed by rooftop solar installations when cleaning up from flooding: “Even though a flooded home may have been disconnected from the electricity grid, the rooftop solar panels can still be pumping 240 V through the circuits. This clearly poses a very serious danger to people hosing out flooded homes.

“Homeowners who have a solar power system should ensure it is turned off at the switchboard and at the inverter (usually next to the switchboard) before touching any electrical fittings in the home.

“And even after turning off these switches, remember that the panel is still producing power even though it is not going into the home circuits. So take great care around the cables running from the solar panels on the roof down to the switchboard.”