The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) of Queensland is advising electricity meter installers and retailers not to install meters below battery powered devices due to the risk of alkaline leaks.

Battery powered devices such as energy monitoring systems, timelocks or communication equipment can, if not maintained, leak an alkaline substance onto equipment below it, resulting in damaged equipment and creating a potential electric shock hazard.

The ESO is asking electricians to be aware of and take measures to control this risk when working on switchboards and meter panels near unmaintained battery powered devices. If batteries have leaked, the recommend making note of the extent of leakage and ensure suitable controls are in place to eliminate shock hazard and chemical exposure risks. This may include advising the owner to remove the device and associated cabling.

Unused battery powered devices should have their batteries removed to avoid any such risk.