Ministry of Economic Development Home| Contact MED|



 
 

Links to this page were:

Section Subnavigation Links:

Consumer Safety Advice


Advice from Energy Safety regarding gas and electrical safety for consumers. Consumers should also check the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website for information on product recalls. Consumer NZ also has information on recalls.

Underground electrical services  [ Published 06 December 2010 ]
Many incidents, some of which can involve serious personal injury, occur when underground services are damaged during excavation and other work involving ground penetration. Not all damage is immediately obvious and supply disruption and repairs can be co

Power line safety clearances  [ Published 30 November 2010 ]
All electricity customers have certain responsibilities relating to electricity services and electricity supply equipment when maintaining the clearances between a power line and any building on your property.

Drybars heated clothes rack  [ Published 01 October 2010 ]
Consumers are advised to check the safety of their Drybars heated clothes rack

Cabinet heater safety
Safety tips for the safe use of LPG cabinet heaters

Earthquake: electricity and gas safety messages  [ Published 06 September 2010 ]
Advice on energy safety after an earthquake

Installing Under Floor Thermal Insulation – Electric Shock Hazard
Aluminium foil under floor insulation may become electrically live if fixing staples come into contact with mains wiring.

Safety information: Christmas tree lights  [ Published 01 April 2010 ]
Energy Safety is reminding consumers to make sure they buy and safely use Christmas lights. Avoid lights with plugs that are not designed for use in New Zealand – in fact, this should be the case when buying any electrical goods.

Electrical installation safety alert  [ Published 01 April 2010 ]
A number of switchboard fires in 2009, involving modern non metallic switchboard enclosures, have highlighted the need to have switchboards checked occasionally.

Extension Cord Safety Tips  [ Published 01 April 2010 ]
Tips to avoid potential electrical shocks or fires when using extension cords.

Living safely with gas and electricity  [ Published 28 January 2010 ]
Tips for keeping safe with gas and electricity in summer

Safety message- Dehumidifiers - the importance of regular maintenance  [ Published 04 November 2009 ]
Tips to keep your dehumidifier from becoming a fire or electrical safety hazard

Carbon monoxide hazards with gas appliances from flame “light back”  [ Published 31 July 2009 ]
This advice has been prepared for consumers using gas appliances. The advice follows investigations and enquiries into fatal and “near miss” events believed to have resulted from light back with LPG cabinet heaters and cookers.

Carbon Monoxide Alert
CO hazard warning on using outdoor appliances indoors, i.e. gas patio heaters

Important information about power lines supplying electricity to your property
Knowing what your responsibilities are in relation to the electricity supply to your property is important.

Check before you dig
People need to be aware that a lot of utility services are placed underground, for example, gas pipes, electricity and telephone cables.

Closed Glass-Fronted Flame Effect Heaters
Gas appliances are safe to use when treated with care and respect. However, they need to be properly installed and maintained regularly so they to continue to operate safely and efficiently.

Biodiesel Manufacture
Because of the flammable nature of the solvents used in biodiesel manufacture, special electrical requirments are needed.

Electrical Portable Outlet Devices (EPODs) commonly known as "PowerBoards", "Multi-Plugs", & "Multi-Boxes"  [ Published 20 June 2008 ]
EPOD's are multiple electrical socket-outlets mounted onto a portable case, allowing you to plug in several appliances at once.

Keep Children Safe Around Electricity and Gas  [ Published 14 June 2001 ]
Energy Safety has some simple safety tips to make sure that younger children stay safe in your home.

Back to Top