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Electricity is all around us

Here’s your quick guide to some of the electrical infrastructure you can and can’t see - and how to take care around it. 

Download the printable pdf

Overhead powerlines

All powerlines, whether they are low voltage, high voltage or transmission, have the potential to cause an electric shock or electrocution. 

Find out what to do when you see a fallen powerline.

Find out more

 

To keep safe around powerlines: 

  • Never try to rescue or retrieve anything caught in powerlines. 
  • Make sure children play in an area which is away from powerlines.  
  • If you’re working near powerlines, contact your local Horizon Power office before starting work to ensure you maintain the minimum safe approach distances.  
  • Use a licensed tree trimmer to prune trees and vegetation which has grown too close to powerlines.  
  • If you’re working at heights, always check for overhead powerlines before starting any work.  
  • Look for overhead electricity infrastructure when driving oversize vehicles, carrying high loads, using farming equipment or towing a boat.  
  • If you need to move an oversized load higher than 4.3 metres (or 4.6 metres for livestock vehicles travelling on nominated routes), we may need to help you by moving, raising or shielding powerlines or by providing a road escort.  

Electrical cabinets

Electrical cabinets contain different types of electrical infrastructure including transformers and equipment. This allows us to isolate or connect different parts of the network.

If there’s an electrical cabinet in your neighbourhood: 
  • Never sit on it or touch is, as there could be live equipment inside. 
  • If you notice any damage to a cabinet, stay away and call us immediately on 13 23 51.  

 

To stay safe around substations: 

  • Always stay well away. Substations are always enclosed by a secured fence with warning signs clearly displayed.  
  • Don’t ever touch or climb the fence near a substation. There is a risk that the fence can become live with electricity. 
  • If you notice an unlocked gate or any damage to the fence or substation area, let us know by calling 13 23 51. 

 

Underground networks

In the parts of our network which are underground, powerlines are sunk beneath the ground and a mini-pillar or ‘green dome’ is installed just inside the property to connect homes to this network. 

 

To stay safe around underground power: 

  • If you need to dig any area of your property, find out if there is underground infrastructure in your area by submitting an online application to Dial Before You Dig or call 1100. Plan your work around the information you receive and as an extra precaution, make sure you confirm and mark out the exact location so you can avoid it.  
  • If you make contact with any infrastructure, stop work and call us on 13 23 51. Wherever possible, avoid digging around mini-pillars.  
  • Green domes contain live wires. Never tamper with a green dome and if you see any damage, report it to us on 13 23 51.  
  • Don’t cover the green dome, surround it with plants or a wall. We need access at all times in case we need to carry out maintenance or emergency repairs.  

Your meter box

It’s important to know where your meter box is in case of emergency. Inside your meter box sits your meter, main switch, fuses and circuit breakers. These control the electricity going into your home - so it’s important to be very careful around your meter box. 

Learn more home safety tips

 

To stay safe around substations: 

  • Always stay well away. Substations are always enclosed by a secured fence with warning signs clearly displayed.  
  • Don’t ever touch or climb the fence near a substation. There is a risk that the fence can become live with electricity. 
  • If you notice an unlocked gate or any damage to the fence or substation area, let us know by calling 13 23 51. 

 

Know how to use your generator safely 

You might have a portable generator to provide a back-up power supply for lighting, refrigerators and other essential appliances during power outages. Read our guide on safely backing up your power supply.

Learn more

Private power poles

Your private power pole is your responsibility. Learn how to keep your pole safe and well-maintained.

Learn more

Safety tips for your home

Follow these simple tips to help protect your household from the dangers of electricity.

Learn more

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.