Bushfire mitigation

What is a REFCL and how does it work?

REFCLs act like a giant safety switch by limiting the energy released when an earth fault occurs on a powerline. An earth fault occurs when: 

• a powerline falls to the ground 
• tree branches touch the powerline  
• wildlife comes into contact with the powerline. 

When a REFCL detects a fault, it reduces the power to that line within a tenth of a second and at the same time, increases the voltage on the remaining two lines. This means power can keep flowing to surrounding homes and businesses. 

After a few minutes, the REFCL checks whether the fault is still there. If the fault has cleared (such as a tree branch falling on the line but then falling away), power will be restored, and in many cases, customers won’t notice any power disruptions.

If the fault is still there (such as a tree falling across the powerlines) the REFCL will cut power to all three lines, so crews can safely assess and repair the line.

Since installation, our REFCLs have operated thousands of times.   

 

Total Fire Ban (TFB) days

During TFB days, our REFCLs are set to their highest, most sensitive setting. On these days, at this high setting, a REFCL is more likely to cut power if it detects the smallest fault. When a fault is detected on a REFCL line on a TFB day, our crews must physically patrol the entire line to confirm it’s safe to turn the power back on. This on-the-ground protocol can increase the potential for prolonged outages.

Last year, we installed new technology on the Benalla-Euroa powerline. At more than 1,200 kms, this line is the longest in our electricity distribution network. To reduce the time it takes to physically patrol the whole line before we can turn the power back on, this new technology works with the REFCL system to help us quickly find where a fault is. This allows our control room to send crews directly to the specific fault area, rather than having to patrol the entire 1200 kms. This makes fault detection and repair much faster and more efficient.

Find a REFCL

To find a REFCL near you. visit REFCL lookup.

 

Impact for high voltage (HV) customers

According to the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice by the Essential Service Commissions, HV customers are responsible for modifying their electrical assets, at their own cost, to withstand REFCL operations. This includes new HV customers connecting to our REFCL networks.

For any inquiries regarding HV customer-related matters, please reach out to us via email at HVcustomers@ausnetservices.com.au

Power prepared

Power outages can happen at any time but are more likely during summer due to high demand on the network, storms and bushfires. Being prepared can help you and your family manage during a power outage.

Follow these simple tips to be power prepared:

• Charge your mobile phone and power banks.
• If you have an electric water pump, stock up on bottled water.
• If you have an electric gate or garage, make sure you can manually open it so you can leave during an outage.
• If you’re a life support customer, be ready to activate your emergency plan. Call us anytime on 1800 818 832.
• If your power goes out, check Outage Tracker for latest restoration times.
• Report faults and emergencies online or call 13 17 99.
• If you're in immediate danger, call 000.
• For emergency services, call the SES on 13 25 00.
• See more tips at Prepare for an electrical outage and Be power prepared.
  
  

Staying informed

We inform our customers in advance of planned outages or potential interruptions. To get SMS updates from us, make sure your electricity retailer (the company you pay your power bills to) has your correct mobile number. They’ll pass it onto us so we can send you updates. You can also check the Outage Tracker for a list of planned outages.

If you have any questions, please call 1300 360 795 or email customersupport@ausnetservices.com.au.