Preparations for new technology in Selby

Technology installed in Selby is set to prevent powerline-related bushfires. PICTURE: ON FILE

Ausnet closed Belgrave-Gembrook road on Monday 22 August from 8:30pm until Tuesday 23 August at 5:30am, to prepare for the installation of a Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL).

A 250 tonne crane was positioned on the road to lift new Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) equipment onto a newly developed site on 109 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Selby.

It is believed Ausnet will spend the next two months installing and testing the equipment in preparation for it to be operational and protecting the community by November, in time for summer.

REFCL technology is said to limit the amount of energy released when an earth fault occurs, including when a tree falls, or wildlife touches a pole and powerline at the same time.

The REFCL installed in Selby is designed to detect the incident and reduce the energy flow within a tenth of a second to avoid a fire or local wildlife being electrocuted.