Electric fences and private powerlines

3 min read

Poorly managed electric fences and private powerlines could start a fire on your property. Land owners and farm managers have a legal responsibility to operate them safely, and to look after their maintenance and repair.

Summary

Electric fences and private powerlines on farms are a fire risk.
Switch off electric fences on extreme and catastrophic days.
Keep electrical wires clear of weeds, grass and other vegetation.
Electric fences and private powerlines must be maintained and in good condition.

Electric fences are a fire risk that need to be managed

Switch off electric fences on extreme and catastrophic days, and during Total Fire Bans.

An electric fence control panel with red and green wires connecting it to an electric fence wire. — Turn off electric fences on high fire risk days.

Electric fences are useful for controlling livestock, but they can be a fire risk. They can produce sparks which can start a fire in nearby dry vegetation.

How to maintain and operate electric fences safely

Keep electric fences:

clear of weeds, grass and other vegetation
maintained and in good condition.

Make sure you:

switch them off on extreme and catastrophic fire danger days
operate them according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Private powerlines on your property are your responsibility

Landowners and farm managers have a legal responsibility to ensure private powerlines are in good condition and clear of vegetation.

Where does responsibility for private powerlines start?

If you have private powerlines on your property, you are responsible for everything beyond the point where the electricity distribution network connects to the first pole on the property.

Detailed information on Private Aerial Lines is available at Energy Safe Victoria.