Investigators believe a damaged power line may have "energised" the entire roof leading to the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy in Gunbalanya.

NT WorkSafe has issue a safety alert about the dangers of "damaged, defective or degraded overhead electrical infrastructure".

NT WorkSafe said the resident had attempted to climb into a secured external area of a residence.

"The preliminary findings suggest that the person suffered an electric shock which, combined with other circumstances, contributed to the death," a statement of the incident read.

"An examination of the property's electrical installation and overhead power lines found damaged insulation on the overhead power line and a connection that had the potential to energise the entire roof, posing a risk of electric shock or electrocution to any person who made contact with it, directly or indirectly."

Investigators said the overhead power line was "subject to various environmental factors" which had caused the insulation to become damaged.

The damaged area of insulation made contact with a stainless steel braided wire, causing the wire to become energised.

The stainless steel braided wire was connected to a metallic gooseneck riser hook, attached to the metal roof, which became energised at 240 volts.

Checks found neither the roof structure nor the gooseneck were solidly earthed as required.

Defects were found on the low voltage service clamp installation and service conductor.

To report a life-threatening or dangerous situation, such as a power line on the ground, call 000 or the Power and Water emergency line on 1800 245 090 immediately.

Homeowners and occupiers of residences connected by overhead power lines are advised to regularly look up to see if there are any obvious visual signs of damage or degradation.

If you notice deterioration or damage, contact a qualified electrical contractor or Power and Water to assess the risk.

Qualified electrical workers and contractors are reminded to:

Power and Water also released the following statement today.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends, and affected community. Public safety is fundamental to everything we do at Power and Water, and any incident involving electrical infrastructure that results in harm weighs heavily on us.

"Power and Water has been working cooperatively with NT WorkSafe and relevant authorities to determine the circumstances and causes of the incident and will continue to do so.

"Our crews have also undertaken an immediate inspection of electrical supply installations on all other homes throughout the community."

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