Outdoor safety

Electrical dangers are not restricted to inside the home.

Consider these outdoor electrical safety tips. 

• Be careful where you dig or drive stakes into the ground as electrical lines may be buried in the soil - contact Dial Before You Dig for more information.
• When using ladders or moving sailing boats, always look out for powerlines and avoid going near them - always ‘look up’.
• Do not use extension cables outdoors except when using an appliance.
• Keep appliances and cords out of the rain and away from wet areas - do not keep extension cords outdoors permanently.
• Do not fly kites, drones and model aeroplanes near overhead wires.
• Set up trampolines and other equipment well away from powerlines.
• Don't climb trees or buildings near powerlines and avoid touching trees or branches next to powerlines.
• If a tree or branch is near or touching any electrical wire or connection, please seek professional advice.
• When replacing or cleaning guttering, do not allow any part of you or the guttering to touch the electrical wires or connections - use a wooden stick or broom handle. It is preferable to use a wooden ladder.
• When painting the outside of your house, make sure you avoid contact with electrical wires. If necessary, contact Ausgrid to arrange for the use of 'tiger tails'. Tiger tails are synthetic tubes that are clipped together over powerlines to provide a visual indicator of electrical wires. They are not to be used as insulating material and will not provide full protection from live electricity. See 'Make a clearance enquiry' for further information.

Fallen powerlines

Powerlines can be damaged by fallen trees, high winds, lightning strikes, car accidents, vandalism, fires, and birds, bats or other animals. Fallen power lines are very dangerous – so keep away from them and call Ausgrid emergency services on 13 13 88.

Safety in your neighbourhood

Always check for underground cables before digging, even around your home. Take care of overhead wires when carrying, moving or operating tall metal objects and machinery and never enter electricity substations.

Follow these simple rules to keep you and your children safe around the electricity network.

• Don’t climb trees near powerlines.
• Watch for overhead powerlines when moving boats with masts.
• Obey warning signs – Danger, Keep Out and High Voltage all mean stay away.
• Call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 if you lose something over the fence of a substation - we’ll get it for you.
• Steer clear of our green boxes on local streets – they contain live electrical equipment.
• Storms, strong winds and bushfires can bring down powerlines. Always assume they are live, stay away and report it to us immediately on 13 13 88.