Have you ever touched a tap or piece of metal in your home and received an electric shock or tingle?
Did you know these shocks or tingles, no matter how minor, could be related to a potentially life-threatening electrical fault in your home?
Energex area manager Chris Graham said the issue was more common than people think with hundreds of shocks and tingles reported on the Sunshine Coast last year.
“Last year nearly 270 Sunshine Coast residents notified us after receiving a zap from metal within the home and, we’re saying to everyone, if you feel a shock or tingle, the next thing they should pick up is a phone and call us,” Mr Graham said.
“At no cost to the caller, one of our crews will come to the premise, diagnose the source of the electric shock and recommend the next course of action for the property owner.
“If a fault is found on the Energex side of the network, we will repair it at absolutely no cost.
“However, if the fault is found to be within the customer’s property, we will make the premise electrically safe and the owner will need to engage the services of a licensed electrical contractor to carry out the potentially lifesaving repair.”
Customers have also unwittingly risked their lives by using workarounds to avoid further shocks, like wearing thongs in the shower, rubber gloves when they’re doing dishes or avoiding certain power points.
“The bottom line is you should never receive a shock or tingle from any metal components within your property and if you do there is an electrical fault causing it – so please don’t ignore it,” Mr Graham said.
“Delayed reporting is usually due to not understanding the seriousness of the issue, so we want everyone to understand these incidents are potentially life-threatening and if you don’t act immediately you are putting yourself or someone else at risk.”
Customers have reported receiving shocks and tingles from indoor and outdoor taps, showers, shed doors and ladders resting on gutters.
To report life-threatening electrical hazards at any time, call Energex on 13 19 62.
More information about electrical safety can be found at energex.com.au/safety
