What’s the Point of Attachment?

April 12th, 2015

This is not some esoterically mystic message… I don’t touch that stuff anymore.

But seriously, I’ve been running more lately as the City to Surf is coming up… and besides training for that I’m training for old age which comes up every day…

So I run to keep fit and relax but picture this… I set off… I’ve got the head phones in and my boxer dog on a lead around my waist… I’m running along the streets in a Zen moment and then it starts.

I look up at the houses on both sides and I have all these dodgy ‘points of attachment’ jumping out at me like my worst nightmare… it’s like I’m in this dark forest and these dodgy points of attachment are jumping out at me… attacking me.

Okay, it’s not really that bad and sorry if some of you old hippies just had a bad flash back to an acid trip of yesteryear (of course I wouldn’t know).

In electricians’ talk, the Point of Attachment or PoA is the point where the wires from the street attach to a building and now with the windy season approaching it’s more serious.

That’s when these connections fail and worse still… if the wires come adrift, you could end up with live wires on the ground and of course no power just when you’re cooking dinner or sitting down to watch your favourite TV show.

Ausgrid used to maintain these 20 years ago but now it’s the homeowners’ responsibility.

Quite often they’re attached to wood… sometimes via metal brackets… and coats of paint are often hiding a looming failure.

So please save me from my nightmare… just take 3 minutes and have a look.

If you’re not sure that yours is secure and safe, send me a pic and I’ll give you some free advice and suggestions.

And it doesn’t stop with old ones… even the other Sunday I saw new building works going on at two separate sites and I could see that the builders’ electricians were setting themselves up for defects.

The brackets they’d installed ready for connection were not high enough for the wires to cross the roadway to clear removalists’ vans for example… so being the busy body that I am, I took note of the builders’ numbers and rang them on the Monday because there was still time to correct them before the building progressed.

I’m happy to report that both points of attachment are being corrected and one builder is giving me an opportunity to price a job. On the other site, the electrician and I are in good communications…. nice, now we can all get some sleep.

I’m off to improve my City to Surf time…at least I’m safe in Rose Bay and Bondi, most of the connections are underground!

Cheers,
David

PS. Go take a look at your point of attachment… the risk isn’t worth it… and don’t get me started on old timber panels supporting electricity meters near front doors

Introduction

Our homes are powered by electricity, a vital energy source that fuels our daily lives. But have you ever wondered how electricity is connected to your home? It all starts with the point of attachment.

What is the Point of Attachment?

The point of attachment refers to the specific location where your house connects to the electricity supply. It serves as the gateway for electricity to enter your home and power your appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices. Understanding this integral part of your electrical system can help you better comprehend the flow of electricity and ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical supply.

Location of the Point of Attachment

The point of attachment is typically situated on the exterior of your home, usually high up, near the roofline. It is where the overhead electrical cables from the main power lines in your area are connected to your house. In some cases, especially in older homes, the point of attachment may be situated lower, closer to the ground, or even underground. It is crucial to note that the exact location of the point of attachment can vary depending on the specific electrical infrastructure in your area.

Overhead Point of Attachment

In houses with overhead power lines, the point of attachment is commonly found on an exterior wall. You might notice a weatherproof  box or a fused mains box, which is a protective fitting where the electrical cables connect to your home. This setup ensures that the cables remain isolated from external elements, preventing any potential hazards.

Underground Point of Attachment

Homes with underground power lines have the point of attachment located either in an underground vault or a service pedestal. These structures are designed to safeguard the connections and cables, providing a secure and hidden point of attachment. The exact location of the underground point of attachment can usually be determined by identifying a cover or lid on the ground, allowing access to the electrical infrastructure beneath.

Importance of Understanding Your Point of Attachment

Understanding your point of attachment is essential for various reasons:

• Safety: Familiarizing yourself with the point of attachment allows you to avoid accidentally interfering with the electrical connections, preventing potential hazards like electric shocks or short circuits.

• Electrical Hazards: It’s crucial to avoid touching or tampering with any cables or equipment at the point of attachment without proper knowledge and authorization. This is to minimize the risk of electrical shocks, fires, or damage to the electrical system.

• Awareness of Surroundings: Knowing where the point of attachment is located helps you stay vigilant when undertaking activities like gardening, maintenance, or renovations around your home. You can plan ahead, ensuring you don’t accidentally impact the electrical connections or infrastructure.

• Maintenance and Repairs: Understanding your point of attachment enables you to communicate effectively with electricians or utility providers when it comes to maintenance or repair work. You can pinpoint the exact location, describe any issues accurately, and ensure prompt and efficient resolution.

• Efficiency and Accessibility: With knowledge of your point of attachment, you can easily locate and monitor electrical meters, ensuring easy access when readings need to be taken or for troubleshooting purposes. This understanding also helps you identify any issues or irregularities with your electrical supply promptly.

Conclusion

The point of attachment plays a pivotal role in connecting your home to the electricity supply. By familiarizing yourself with its location and importance, you can better prioritize safety, communicate effectively with professionals, and ensure the efficient and reliable operation of your house’s electrical system.