Further safeguards with innovative insulation

UnitedNetworks further safeguards community safety with innovative new insulation

Electricity network operator UnitedNetworks has added another dimension to its community safety programme with the launch of a new initiative to further safeguard its electricity equipment in the streets.

The company is the first in New Zealand to use a revolutionary new paint that, when applied to electricity transformers, provides an additional protective insulated coating around live equipment.

Over the next four years, the company will spend around $6 million rolling out the initiative, which will coat approximately 1000 transformers in the Wellington City region.

UnitedNetwork’s Asset Specialist, Brett Tracy-Inglis, says that safety in the community is of paramount importance to the company.

"UnitedNetworks owns and operates thousands of pieces of electricity equipment in the streets which, if tampered with, could potentially be life-threatening. We go to great lengths to ensure our equipment is safeguarded and locked away from the public but sometimes this is not always possible.

The introduction of this new insulation paint gives us further confidence that, in the event of vandalism, the “rubber paint” will further protect people from harm at the same time as ensuring the power supply is also safeguarded in the area."

Mr Tracy-Inglis warns, however, that all electricity equipment should still be treated as live at all times and people should report any exposed or damaged equipment to UnitedNetworks immediately.

ENDS

Before and after pictures of a transformer cabinet.

Editors Note: The insulator paint is manufactured by Midsun Group Inc. and has been used very successfully on overhead lines and equipment in the USA. It was adapted for UnitedNetworks' use by Northpower and Electropar, in conjunction with Midsun, and has undergone extensive testing.

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