House loses power after boy's kite shorts overhead lines

A kite flown on the end of electric fence tape crashed into 11kV powerlines causing a flash over and blowing out power to a nearby house.

Fortunately the young boy flying the kite was not injured but the incident has prompted authorities to warn people about safety around powerlines.

Northpower spokesman Steve Macmillan said the boy was on a property at Aranga, 34km northwest of Dargaville, last week flying a kite when the kite string went across the lines causing a flash over and blowing fuses in that section of the line.

"The fuses must have blown in time to prevent any significant damage to the line but power was cut to the house," Mr Macmillan said.

"We were called to attend to the fault. The fault man only had to replace the fuses."
Mr Macmillan said people needed to use common sense because electricity was dangerous.

"People need to be acutely aware of this whether they are in DIY mode, a boatie (masts hitting wires), a farmer, contractor, kids with kites.

"If people stay clear of our powerlines they won't risk electrocution or death."

Summer electrical safety tips included keeping an eye overhead if working with ladders, aerials, scaffolding, boat masts, kites, fishing rods and farm machinery.

"You should keep yourself and any objects you are handling at least four metres away from overhead power lines," Mr Macmillan said.

Check for the presence of any underground gas, power, fibre optic cables or water services before you dig.

And plant trees well away from power lines, making sure to keep branches trimmed before they get too close.