Floods expose electrical dangers
The recent flooding of around 3000 homes in Mackay has highlighted a number of electrical safety issues for both the general public and industry workers.
The department alerted homeowners affected by the floods to the dangers of water damaged equipment, wiring and appliances and the use of generators via the media.
But other issues emerged as the floods receded involving electrical supply and reconnections.
Initially Ergon Energy crews quickly identified and isolated power to those areas which presented potential electrical risk. A door-to-door check determined which homes could have power re connected and isolated those that had been adversely affected.
Homeowners were issued with a letter requiring the home to be inspected by a licensed electrical contractor before power could be re-connected.
Crews worked to restore power to homes, replacing damaged underground cables and cable joints quickly while Mackay’s electrical contracting community provided an immediate response with many homes tested within a short period of time.
Affected circuits were disconnected and power resupplied to many homes, particularly lights and some power circuits. Many hot water systems were also able to stay connected.
However some contractors raised concerns that installations tested as not being safe to re-connect were subsequently tested by another contractor and deemed to be safe.
It is possible later testing showed suitable insulation resistance readings once accessories had dried, since it would be of huge concern if a licensed electrical contractor re-energised circuits that were not safe.
One problem was that testing of the homes was undertaken soon after the water subsided while plasterboard sheeting was still in place. Demolition/ renovation teams have since removed the damaged plasterboard up to the watermark resulting in many exposed socket outlets.
These outlets were either live or isolated by nothing more than insulation tape over the corresponding circuit breakers. All damaged circuits must have the load conductors removed and be suitably terminated or the circuit breakers secured or locked off.
With residents wanting to move back into their homes until such time as the builders can start renovation work, there may now be a significant electrical risk present in some homes. Many people may not be aware of the risk, because their homes have been ‘checked’ by a licensed electrical contractor.
Unoccupied homes also present a significant risk to tradespeople going in later as they may assume all circuits are disconnected and everything is ‘dead’.
The Electrical Safety Office has raised this issue at meetings with local builders organised by the Queensland Building Services Authority stressing the need for builders to liaise closely with their electrical contractor to ensure the installation is either completely isolated or electrically safe before starting work.
Last updated 3 October 2008
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