How does a broken neutral occur?
What dangers do broken neutrals pose?
What does a WireAlert do?
What do I do if the alarm goes off on my WireAlert?
How do I get a WireAlert?
I don't live in Tasmanian. How do I get a WireAlert?
Where do I plug it in?
Can I plug it into an extension cord?
Do I leave it on all the time?
What does it tell me?
Will the WireAlert damage or affect other devices or appliances?
How much power does it use?
If the alarm goes off is it safe to touch?
What is the lifespan of the WireAlert?
How do I know if my WireAlert no longer works?
What certification does the WireAlert have?
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 as a result of broken neutrals.
Q. What does a WireAlert do?
A. The WireAlert device detects impedance changes that indicate the presence of a broken neutral or a dangerous return path condition and, if found, activates an audible and visual (flashing red LED) alarm that will alert the householder to the possible fault. The device also detects abnormally low and high voltages and signals with a steady amber (low) or flashing amber (high) LED during the voltage event.
Q. What do I do if the alarm goes off on my WireAlert?
A. Immediately contact your electrical distributor. Tell the operator that you have a WireAlert. Report the alarm and then follow the advice and instructions provided.
Q. How do I get a WireAlert?
A. Customers of Aurora Energy Network in Tasmania, Australia, will receive their WireAlert devices in the mail as part of a state wide roll-out in 2009.
Q. I don't live in Tasmanian. How do I get a WireAlert?
A. WireAlert is not intended as a retail product, discussions are currently underway with various Australian Electrical Distributors.
Q. Where do I plug it in?
A. The WireAlert is best placed in a high traffic or noticeable area within the house, such as a hallway, living room or dining room.
Q. Can I plug it into an extension cord?
A. Ideally, the WireAlert should be plugged directly into a power point.
Q. Do I leave it on all the time?
A. As a broken neutral can occur at any time without prior warning, the WireAlert 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 audible alarm and a flashing red light, or a steady or flashing amber llight indicates a problem.
Q. Will the WireAlert damage or affect other devices or appliances?
A. The WireAlert has no effect on other appliances.
Q. How much power does it use?
A. The WireAlert device will draw an average of 4 Watts while in operation.
Q. If the alarm goes off is it safe to touch?
A. Yes, but remember there may be dangerous situations in your home, immediately call your local Electrical Distribution.
Q. What is the lifespan of the WireAlert?
A. The WireAlert is designed for a 10 year life.
Q. How do I know if my WireAlert no longer works?
A. No green light, or a flashing green light and a chirp from the WireAlert indicates the device may not be operating correctly.
back to top
Q. What certification does the WireAlert have?
A. Certificate of suitability from Standards & Compliance Tasmania.
Ctick
AS/NZ3112:2004 Inc. Amdt 1.
AS/NZ3100:2002 Inc. Amdts 1,2,3
UL94V-0
Site by Remedia