• Safety update - unsafe socket outlet with insulation piercing construction
• Updated WorkSafe guide - new rules for the supply of declared articles in New Zealand
• Important information about overhead power lines supplying electricity within your property
• Reminder on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries
• WorkSafe offices closed during Christmas holidays.

The WorkSafe Energy Safety team has been notified that a “fitting” being a socket outlet with insulation piercing construction is being supplied in New Zealand.

We have determined that this type of assembly for socket outlet construction is unsafe for use and installation in New Zealand. When it is used with tough plastic sheath (TPS) cable that is approved for use in New Zealand, a transposition between live and earth is likely to occur.

The installation of this socket outlet is designed to have three cord piercing blades/knifes (conductors) cutting through the sheath and insulation of a flat TPS cable to make the connection with each conductor within the TPS. The installation and connection do not require any peeling and removing of the sheath and insulation to expose the conductors. Therefore, the connection of this fitting to flat TPS cable relies on the relative positions of the conductors in the cable.

It is recommended that you do not purchase or install this type of socket outlet with insulation piercing construction in your property.

If this type of socket outlet has already been installed in your property, please engage a licenced electrical worker to urgently carry out an inspection and repair the wiring as needed.

Pictured: examples of socket outlets with insulation piercing construction. Left: blades/knifes (conductors) cutting through the sheath and insulation from one direction. Right: blades/knifes (conductors) cutting through the sheath and insulation from multiple directions.

Note: these are simple examples showing blade/knife type connections to TPS cable. They are not compliant examples and are only used as a reference.

We have updated our guide to support the implementation of conditions for the recognition of Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) registered products in New Zealand. 

Knowing what your responsibilities are around the electricity supply on your property is important.

Overhead power lines that cross the boundary of a property (the point of supply) are commonly known as private power lines. Private power lines form part of an electrical installation that supplies power inside the property boundary.

We recently received a notification that a child had received an electric shock from a broken conductor on a privately owned overhead power line and was taken to hospital. The broken conductor had fallen onto a nearby boundary fence causing it to become energised. The child grabbed the boundary fence wire and received an electric shock. They were unable to let go until they were pulled off the fence by a relative.

We would like to remind property owners that they are responsible for maintaining private power lines between the electricity distribution business (network company) lines and their buildings.

Private power lines may include overhead lines and underground cables. In some areas the overhead lines may extend over several poles from the property boundary before they connect to a building within that property. In some cases, these private lines could be shared with neighbours, so the responsibility for maintenance may be shared.

Checking private power lines and poles

Under regulation 15 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 property owners are obliged to maintain electrical installations so that they are electrically safe. Therefore, risks resulting from unsafe or non-compliant installations are passed on to you.

Property owners should carry out periodic checks to ensure that private power lines, and the poles supporting the lines, are in good order. This includes checking that the lines are not in contact with trees or tree branches.

If you are not sure which portion of the power lines are your responsibility we recommend contacting your local network company to discuss. The network company can also help to check the condition of your power lines.

Where there is an underground cable in your property, a record should be kept of its location. If you are planning excavation work, always check the location of power cables and other services such as gas and water pipes, before you start digging.

Keeping your power lines in a safe condition will help ensure you, your family and friends are not exposed to a serious injury or worse.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in many common household devices such as mobile phones, laptops, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms and toys.

Lithium-ion batteries are safe during normal use and when treated with respect and care. However, if they are misused (for example, overcharged or damaged), or are of poor quality, they can present a serious risk of fire, explosion and toxic smoke inhalation. Lithium-ion battery fires burn fiercely, are difficult to extinguish and can spread quickly.

If your home has any electrical products that have lithium batteries, please remember the following:

Always:

• use the original battery charger supplied with the product
• purchase from a reputable supplier
• look for any signs of damage or wear before charging
• be observant during charging, especially for any signs of smoke or noise
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including how to exchange and care for the battery.

Never:

• modify the product, including the battery and charger
• leave the product or its battery anywhere that it could be exposed to extreme temperatures e.g. direct sunlight.

We appreciate all of your support during 2023.

We are taking a break over the holiday period. Our last working day of the year will be Friday, 22 December 2023. Our offices will reopen on Monday, 8 January 2024.

Please note that we are not an emergency response service. If you are reporting an immediate hazard, such as the smell of gas or fallen powerlines, call 111.

Workplace gas and electrical accidents should be reported to us by calling 0800 030 040 and selecting option 4. This phone line is monitored while our offices are closed. Non-workplace events can be reported on our website.