NT WorkSafe has urged electricians and home owners to use caution when accessing outdated electricity meter boxes built before 2014, after Power and Water Corp workers found several heat-damaged service fuse holders in NT homes.

Damaged service fuse holders pose an electrical safety risk when opening the meter box due to exposed live parts. NT WorkSafe warned that damage to fuse holders could have been caused by age, exposure to the elements, or improper installation.

Homeowners are reminded that except for the electrical meter – owned by Power and Water – all other components, including meter box and board, switches, fuses, and circuit breakers, belong to the homeowner and should comply with Power and Water’s meter manual and Australian Standards.

NT WorkSafe said maintenance by the homeowner should include regular inspection of the meter box’s internal components to ensure safety. Homeowners should have an electrical contractor replace the damaged fuse carrier, base, or fuses with a lockable circuit breaker if damaged.

A circuit breaker is a meter isolator needed for a safe and convenient isolation point for Power and Water to service and maintain customers’ meters. Electrical contractors also need a circuit breaker when working on the switchboard.

Circuit breakers are also necessary for Power and Water workers when performing power disconnections and installations.