CablePI
CablePI is a device that protects you and your home by detecting a potentially life-threatening electrical fault called a broken neutral.
Call us on 132 004 if you observe these warning signs:
- You get tingles from taps or metal fittings
- Appliances or power tools give electric shocks
- Lights vary in brightness
- If there's excessive noise or sparking from switches or power points
- If electrical appliances are working slowly
- If you're concerned about the earth wire of your home, including: if your earth wire is disturbed or you notice a broken or damaged bare copper wire or green insulated wire around your house
When do I call an electrician?
- If power points or light fittings are damaged
- If fuses constantly blow or circuit breakers trip
Frequently asked questions
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What does a CablePI do?
CablePI detects changes that indicate the presence of a broken neutral. If a broken neutral is found, it flashes red and alarms to alert you to the possible fault. It doesn't cut off the power. Call us immediately on 132 004 if your CablePI alarms.
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What's a broken neutral?
A broken neutral is a relatively common but potentially life-threatening electrical fault.
Power flows in and out of your premise from our electricity network, entering via the active cable and leaving via the neutral cable. You also have an earth connection. If there's a break in the neutral return path, electricity can still exit the premises via your earth connection.
If there are problems with the neutral and earth, electricity may then travel by a different path. This may be via water pipes, stoves and metal taps or any other conductor of electricity. This can be very dangerous and you may suffer a serious electric shock if you touch something where electricity is present.
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What do the lights mean?
Green Orange Red Alarm Meaning Action Off Off Off Off Power off or CablePI failed Check if power supply is present and if the power point's working correctly. If still not working, your CablePI may have failed and you'll need to order a new CablePI Single flash Single flash Single flash Single chirp Self-test None Flashing Flashing Flashing Chirping Failed self-test CablePI needs to be replaced. You'll need to order a new CablePI On Off Off Off Normal operation None Off Flashing Off Off Voltage Call us immediately on 132 004 Off Off Flashing Constant Potentially dangerous condition Call us immediately on 132 004
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Where's the best place to plug in my CablePI?
Plug in your CablePI in a high traffic or noticeable area, such as a hallway or living room. Once plugged in, all three lights will flash briefly and CablePI will beep once. This means it's going through a self-test (this happens once every 24 hours). A solid green light will then come on and stay on indicating that all's well.
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What do I do if the alarm goes off?
Don't touch anything metallic and call us immediately on 132 004. Tell the operator you're reporting a CablePI alarm and follow the advice provided.
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If the alarm goes off is the CablePI safe to touch?
Yes. But don't touch anything metallic and call us immediately on 132 004.
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Do I leave the CablePI on all the time?
Yes. As a broken neutral can happen any time without prior warning, your CablePI should remain plugged in and turned on at all times (much like your smoke alarm).
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How much does a CablePI cost to run?
The average annual cost of a CablePI plugged in 24/7 is $9, or 2.6c a day (based on Tariff 31, current as at September 2018).
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What's the lifespan of a CablePI?
CablePI is built to last between 5 and 10 years.
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What if my CablePI no longer works?
No lights or more than one light flashing and a chirping indicates CablePI may not be operating correctly. To ensure there's not a safety risk present, please call 132 004 to speak to an operator.
CablePI can be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the a rubbish bin.