12 September 2025 – Victoria, Australia: Electricians warn of a hidden defect in overhead connection boxes that could put Aussie families at risk of electric shock or fire.
A new safety alert has been issued in Victoria after faulty fuse boxes were found with a dangerous wiring defect that could put homes and families at risk. While the alert was issued in Victoria, it is possible that similar units may have been supplied across Australia.
Electricians warn the fault could lead to neutral failure, posing risks of electric shock, fire, or equipment damage.
Luke Murphy, a licensed electrician from Electrical Worx on the Gold Coast in Australia, noted that the biggest concern is how invisible the problem is. He explained that a fuse box with this defect looks perfectly normal from the outside, but the internal wiring may be unsafe.
The Victorian electricity industry has identified defective Factory-Assembled Overhead Line Connection Boxes (known as FOLCBs), where the neutral terminal had been incorrectly assembled during manufacture
The clamp plates inside the box – which should sit horizontally – were instead installed vertically preventing a secure connection.
Electrical Worx reiterated that if these units have already been installed, everyday Australians could be living with a hidden danger in their home.
The official alert currently applies to Victoria, but because electrical equipment is often distributed nationally, industry figures say other states could also be affected.
These connection boxes are common anywhere electricity comes in from a power pole. Even though the notice came from Victoria, there’s always a chance the same faulty stock has reached other parts of Australia.
What homeowners need to know
Not every home is affected. FOLCB units are only used where electricity is supplied overhead from a street pole, not in homes with underground supply.
You can’t tell by looking. The defect is internal and only a licensed electrician can confirm if a unit is safe.
What to do. If you’ve had recent electrical work or a new connection, ask your electrician to check whether a FOLCB unit was used and if it’s safe. Never attempt to inspect it yourself.
The industry response
Under Victorian rules, electricity distributors will refuse supply if they find one of these faulty units, and any delays or costs fall back on the homeowner and their electrician.
Electricians are being urged to inspect these boxes before requesting connection, and to rectify or replace any faulty units immediately.
The alert was issued on 12 September 2025 by the Victorian Service and Installation Rules Management Committee, following discovery of the defect by a field crew.
For further information:
- Victorian Service & Installation Rules (VSIR) guide: https://www.victoriansir.com.au/_files/ugd/bceea4_f07e5ff3cb3a434d9cdc1ea402f0dcc0.pdf
Homeowners (particularly in Victoria, Australia) should contact a licensed electrician for an inspection if concerned.
