Electrical safety risks after flood damage

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to make owners and operators of domestic, and commercial premises aware of the risk of electrical failure and fires following the submersion of electrical appliances and accessories during the recent flood. Of particular concern are battery energy storage systems (BESS) installed in conjunction with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Background

The Katherine township and surrounding areas experienced flooding in early March 2026 affected homes, businesses and commercial properties.

Emergency services have raised a concern of electrical appliances, accessories, PV and BESS systems in many properties being submerged and subsequently presenting an electric shock and fire risk to the owners and occupants.

Refer to the NT Fire and Rescue Service bulletin Battery Energy Storage Systems for guidance on damaged or flooded BESS.

Action required

If your property is flood affected:

• Unplug and isolate all affected appliances
• Isolate affected circuits at the switchboard
• Do not attempt to restart PV and BESS systems
• Arrange for an electrical contractor to inspect the premises
• Affected appliances, accessories, PV and BESS should be repaired or replaced.

Further information

For further information, please refer to the following:

Safety Alert

• Check for asbestos damage after severe weather event

Codes of Practice

• Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace

Guidance material

• Battery energy storage systems (NT Fire and Emergency Services)
• AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring Rules
• AS-NZS 3760:2010 Testing of Electrical Equipment
• AS/NZS 5139:2019 Electrical installations - Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment
• AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays