Electrocution prompts strong warning against electrical DIY

Following an incident in which a man sustained an electric shock while using a makeshift electrical device to create artwork, Energy Safe Victoria is urging the community not to repurpose electrical equipment.

The energy safety regulator has warned that repurposing electrical components for alternative uses can pose a serious risk to people and property.

The incident took place in Ararat on 22 May, with the electric shock leaving the man unconscious. He was resuscitated and stabilised by paramedics before being airlifted to The Alfred hospital.

With the aim of creating a wood burning-etching device, the man had assembled a contraption consisting of a 2200 V microwave transformer, jumper cables and two nails forcefully embedded into a piece of wood soaked in salt water.

The jumper cables, which are typically designed for only 12–24 V, were connected to both the nails and the output of the transformer. The transformer input was connected, via an extension cord, to a power outlet.

Once the power outlet was switched on, an electrical current flowed, energising the jumper leads, the nails and the wood at 2200 V.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said the incident served as an important reminder to the community not to repurpose electrical components to create DIY projects.

“This incident highlights how dangerous it can be if a person tries to make their own electrical equipment with components in a manner they were not designed for,” Hughson said.

For more information, visit www.esv.vic.gov.au.

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