Living safely with electricity outdoors
Electrical equipment and structures are all around us, but living alongside electricity can be dangerous if the appropriate safety control measures are not applied.
Electrical safety in public places
At Endeavour Energy we do all we can to build the electricity network to minimise the impacts on the public. It is still important that you and your family know how to identify any hazards in public places, so that you can live and play safely near electricity.
Power poles and towers
Power poles and towers are used to transport electricity. Different voltages are kept at different heights, with the highest voltages running through the highest powerlines.
You should never attempt to climb power poles or towers or try to reach powerlines, regardless of the voltage. Contact with powerlines, or even just going too close to them, could be fatal. It’s also important that your outdoor activities do not bring you close to powerlines as this could result in serious injury or even death.
You should familiarise yourself with your surroundings before doing things like flying kites, drones or remote-control planes, or any other activities that could reduce the safe clearance between you and powerlines.
Always stay 3 meters away from powerlines. If you see a fallen power line stay 8 metres away and phone us immediately on 131 003.
Padmounts and pillar boxes
Padmounts and pillar boxes convert electricity from the high voltages used to transport power over long distances, to the lower voltages used in homes and businesses.
These structures are typically coloured green or brown to blend into their surroundings and are an obvious sign of underground cables. You should never dig or plant trees or shrubs near them.
If you are in the Endeavour Energy area and see that a cover has come loose, or that a vehicle has made contact with a padmount or pillar box, please contact us immediately on 131 003.
Never interfere with or climb on electrical assets such as pillars or padmount substations. They contain electrical apparatus that can be extremely dangerous.
Downed powerlines
While we construct our network to withstand strong winds and storms, for different reasons, powerlines can sometimes come down.
If you see powerlines down, please make absolutely sure that you stay at least 8 metres clear of them and anything they’re touching. You should also warn others to do the same and contact us immediately on 131 003.
Never assume powerlines are ‘dead’ or de-energised, as they can be remotely switched on or 're-energise' in an instant.
Safe boating and flying
Sadly, many serious incidents have been caused by recreational pilots, boaters and yachties, hitting overhead powerlines as they cross open fields and waterways.
For tips and steps you can take to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and the safety of the public, please download and read our brochures:
Transport for NSW has also produced a series of maps showing the locations of overhead powerlines and submarine cables. These maps are a vital tool for safe navigation and can help keep you safe on the water.
You can buy the maps online or through your local Transport for NSW office or download copies to your smartphone.
Building structures under powerlines
Electricity, under certain conditions, can arc in an instant, jumping from powerlines to nearby objects or people. This is why we allocate easements below and to either side of powerlines.
The easement is required to remain clear of debris, equipment and structures at all times.
Structures built under, or too close to, powerlines can create a fire and an electrocution risk to the public, the property occupier, tradespeople and to our staff when they need to make repairs.
Typical examples of structures that should never be built or located under or close to powerlines or the point of attachment include:
- Carports and verandas
- Caravans
- Sheds, chicken sheds and animal shelters in paddocks
- Dams, pools and fences
- Balconies and awnings
