Cut Underground Cable

Excavation, fencing, landscaping and post-hole digging are common ways an underground supply cable gets cut or damaged. A struck cable can be live, arcing and dangerous, and it will usually knock out power. Sydney Power Group (SPG) is a Level 2 ASP responding 24/7 across Greater Sydney.

If a cable has been struck, stop work immediately, keep everyone and the machine clear, and don't touch the cable or the machinery in contact with it. If there's arcing or fire, call 000, then call SPG on 0466 125 125.

First Steps After Striking a Cable

A cut supply cable can energise the excavator, the ground and any metal nearby. Keep the operator in the cab if the machine is in contact, and keep everyone else back until the supply is confirmed dead. Even a partially nicked cable can fail later, so it needs professional attention regardless.

Damaging the underground mains on your side is your responsibility to repair — and a Level 2 ASP is required for the work.

Locate, Make Safe and Repair

We make the strike site safe, then locate the full extent of the damage — sometimes a cable is crushed or nicked beyond the obvious cut. We repair or replace the affected length and re-terminate it to AS/NZS 3000 standards.

Where supply must be isolated or reconnected at the network, we coordinate with Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy or Essential Energy. If the fault instead came from cable ageing rather than a strike, see underground power fault.

Dig Safely Next Time

Before future digging, we can locate your buried services so it doesn't happen again. For now, keep clear and call SPG on 0466 125 125, or book emergency help.

See related help on the emergency electrician hub.