Electricity network

CablePI

The power alarm that can save your life.

CablePI has arrived
Broken neutral explained
Signs of danger
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

CablePI has arrived

The Power Alarm that can save your life is CablePI (as in Private Investigator). CablePI is a device invented by Aurora Energy employees that detects a potentially life threatening electrical fault known as a broken neutral. Broken neutrals are a serious problem and present a significant risk to the health and safety of you and your family.

CablePI offers a potential solution to a problem that has challenged the electricity industry worldwide for decades. The device will be provided free from Aurora to more than 200,000 Tasmanian residential customers and small businesses later this year.

Broken neutral explained

A broken neutral is a relatively common but potentially life-threatening electrical fault that can affect households and businesses.

Power flows in and out of customers' premises from the Aurora distribution network, entering via the active cable and leaving via the neutral cable. Customers also have within their premises an earth connection. If there is a break in the neutral return path, electricity can still exit the premises via the customer’s earth connection. If there are problems with the neutral and earth, electricity may then travel by a different path. This may be via water pipes, stoves and metal taps or any other conductor of electricity. This situation can be very dangerous and customers may suffer serious electric shocks if they touch something where electricity is present.

Signs of Danger

Broken neutrals can be difficult to detect and in some instances may not be easily identified. Sometimes broken neutrals can be indicated by flickering lights or tingling taps. If you have flickering lights or tingly taps in your home, you may be at risk of serious injury or even death. Don't risk it contact Aurora on
13 2004.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How does a broken neutral occur?: A. Broken neutrals can be caused by a range of events, such as storm damage (where, for example, tree branches may touch wires), vehicles hitting power poles and accidental disturbance of overhead or underground power lines. Even wear and tear from the wind can cause the neutral to break.
Q. What dangers do broken neutrals pose?: A. Broken neutrals are potentially life threatening. They have the capacity to direct dangerous voltages into household appliances or plumbing fixtures. There are a number of cases of electric shocks experienced each year in Tasmania as a result of broken neutrals.
Q. What does a CablePI do?: A. The CablePI device detects changes that indicate the presence of a broken neutrals and, if found, activates an alarm that will alert the householder to the possible fault.
Q. What do I do if the alarm goes off on my CablePI?: A. Immediately contact Aurora energy on 13 2004. Tell the operator that you have a CablePI. Report the alarm and then follow the advice and instructions provided.
Q. How do I get a CablePI?: A. Aurora customers who are residents of Smithton and South Hobart will receive their CablePI devices in the mail as part of the initial roll-out. The devices will be provided progressively to the remaining 230,000 Aurora customers throughout Tasmania via regular post.
Q. I don't live in Smithton or South Hobart. When do I get my CablePI?: A. The devices will be delivered by post to all other Tasmanian customers of Aurora Energy between May and September 2009. The mail-out will be preceded by a public information campaign about the CablePI in newspapers, on the radio and television.
Q. What will it cost?: A. The CablePI devices will be distributed free to all Aurora customers.
Q. Where do I plug it in?: A. The CablePI is best placed in a high traffic or noticeable area within the house, such as a hallway or living or dining rooms.
Q. Can I plug it into an extension cord?: A. Ideally, the CablePI should be plugged directly into a power point or board.
Q. Do I leave it on all the time?: A. As a broken neutral can occur at any time without prior warning, the CablePI should remain plugged in and turned on at all times, much like a smoke alarm should be left on at all times.
Q. What does it tell me?: A. When it is working correctly it will show a solid green light. An alarm or flashing amber light indicates a problem.
Q. Who do I call for general enquiries about my CablePI?: A. Aurora Energy on 13 2004.
Q. Will the CablePI damage or affect other devices or appliances?: A. The CablePI has no effect on other appliances.
Q. What if it is faulty or damaged?: A. Call Aurora on 13 2004 and we will replace the device free of charge.
Q. What will it cost to run?: A. It has been estimated that on current Aurora tariffs and CablePI specifications, the cost of running the device is less than $3 a year.
Q. If the alarm goes off is it safe to touch?: A. Yes, but remember there may be dangerous situations in your home, call Aurora immediately 13 2004.
Q. What is the lifespan of the CablePI?: A. The CablePI is built to last between five and 10 years. If you have any doubt about the reliability of your CablePI, call Aurora Energy on 13 2004.
Q. How do I know if my CablePI no longer works?: A. No green light, or a flashing green light and a chirp from the CablePI indicates the device may not be operating correctly. Call Aurora immediately 132 004.

Disclaimer

The CablePI device is manufactured by Aurora Energy.

Except to the extent required by the Trade Practices Act and relevant state legislation, the sole obligation of Aurora Energy in relation to the CablePI is to use its best endeavours to replace or repair the CablePI.

In no event shall Aurora Energy be liable for any other claims or damages whatsoever or howsoever arising including, but not limited to, claims for faulty design, negligent or misleading advice, damages arising from loss or use of the CablePI, and any indirect, special or consequential damages or injury to any person, corporation or other entity.

No warranty or representation in relation to theCablePI is given by Aurora Energy, expressly or implied by these instructions or otherwise, and to the extent permitted by law all warranties, terms and conditions in relation to the state, quality or fitness of the CablePI and every other kind whether expressed or implied by use, statute or otherwise are excluded.