If you’ve ever wondered where your responsibility for electrical maintenance begins and the power company’s ends, you’re asking about something called a “point of supply.” Let me break this down for you in plain English.
The Simple Definition
A point of supply is essentially the invisible line in the sand where the electricity distributor’s responsibility stops and yours begins. Think of it as the electrical equivalent of your property’s front gate – everything on one side belongs to the power company, everything on the other side is your problem to maintain.
In technical terms, it’s defined as “the changeover point from the electricity distribution network to the electrical installation, where the property owner becomes responsible for the maintenance and repair of the electrical installation”. But what does that actually mean for you?
Where You’ll Find Your Point of Supply
Your point of supply isn’t always in the same spot. The location depends on how your property is connected to the grid. Here’s where it typically sits:
For most suburban homes: It’s usually where the power line from the street connects to your private pole or where it attaches to your house. You’ll often see this connection point on the fascia at the front of your house.
For rural properties: Things get a bit more complicated. The point of supply is generally where the electricity distribution network connects to the first pole on your property. If you’ve got multiple private poles running power across your land, you’re responsible for maintaining all of them beyond that first connection point.
For properties with underground connections: The point of supply is where those underground cables transition from the distributor’s network to your private electrical installation.
Why This Matters to You
Understanding your point of supply isn’t just academic – it has real financial implications. Everything beyond this point is your responsibility to maintain, repair, and replace when needed.
I’ve seen plenty of property owners get a nasty shock (pun intended) when they discover they’re responsible for that dodgy-looking pole in their backyard. One mate of mine had a private pole that was slowly rotting away for years, thinking it was the power company’s problem. When it finally came down in a storm, he got hit with a hefty bill for emergency repairs and discovered he’d been liable for it all along.
The Legal Framework
In Australia, the definition of point of supply is enshrined in various state electricity safety acts. These laws make it crystal clear where responsibility shifts from the distributor to you as the property owner. The distributor can even change where they consider your point of supply to be if they reckon the standard definition isn’t appropriate for your particular situation [1].
Special Circumstances: Multiple Points of Supply
Some properties have more than one point of supply, and this creates additional complexity. If your property has multiple connection points, you’ll need special warning labels on your switchboards stating “Warning—not all wiring installed in these premises is controlled from this main switchboard” [2].
These multiple supply arrangements are becoming more common with solar installations and battery systems, but they require careful planning and compliance with strict safety regulations.
Your Responsibilities Beyond the Point of Supply
Once you know where your point of supply is, you need to understand what you’re responsible for maintaining:
- Private poles: Keep them free from rot, rust, and termite damage
- Private powerlines: Ensure they’re properly secured and not damaged
- Connection points: Maintain all fittings and connections in good working order
- Earthing systems: Keep your electrical earthing system compliant with standards
Your point of supply is more than just a technical definition – it’s the boundary that determines who pays when something goes wrong with your electrical system. Take the time to identify where yours is located, and make sure you’re keeping up with maintenance on everything beyond that point.
If you’re unsure about your point of supply location or your maintenance responsibilities, don’t guess. Contact your local electricity distributor or get a qualified electrician to assess your setup. It’s much cheaper than dealing with the consequences of neglected electrical infrastructure down the track.
Remember, electrical safety isn’t something to muck about with. When in doubt, call in the professionals and keep yourself and your property safe.
