Safety tips & guidelines
Electricity is safe when handled right. Tap a marker to see the rule for that spot, and call 905 in any emergency.
Spot the hazards
Red markers are things never to do. Green markers are good habits.
Never touch a fallen power line
A line on the ground has not necessarily been switched off, and the ground around it can be live too. If it falls on a car you are in, stay inside until EEU crews confirm the line is dead. Call 905 from a safe distance.
How far is safe from a fallen line?
A line on the ground can still be live, and so can the ground around it. Drag to see where you are standing.
Right tree, right place
Keep 3 metres between any branch and the line. Near a line, plant species that stay under 4 metres.
Trimming near lines is free. EEU trims inside the right of way at no cost. Request it on 905, never prune it yourself.
When the power goes out
The surge when supply returns can damage appliances. Do this in order.
The line is lying on the ground, so the power must be off.
All guidelines
Every safety guideline EEU publishes, in one list.
Do
8- Switch off the breaker before any workAlways turn off the main circuit breaker before attempting repairs to home wiring.
- Report exposed wiringSpotted a damaged cable or exposed wire on public infrastructure? Report it on 905.
- Prepare for power coming backDuring an outage, switch off large appliances so the surge on restoration cannot damage them.
- Keep 3 metres of clearanceFast-growing trees planted too close to lines are a leading cause of interruptions.
- Report overgrown branchesIf branches are touching a line, report it to EEU. Do not attempt to prune them yourself.
- Free tree trimmingEEU manages vegetation within the power-line right of way at no cost to you.
- Choose low-growing speciesWhen planting near a line easement, pick species that mature below 4 metres.
- A tree on a line is an emergencyCall the 24/7 hotline on 905 straight away — do not wait to report it.
Don't
- Never touch a fallen power lineA downed line may still be live. Stay at least 10 metres away and call EEU immediately.
- Keep children away from equipmentUtility poles, transformers and substations are not safe places to play.
- Don't overload socketsAvoid running several high-power appliances from a single socket or extension lead.
- Never prune near live wiresCutting a branch that touches a live conductor can be fatal. Call EEU crews instead.