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Guidance on Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment
 Storms and heavy incessant rains are creating havoc across the country, along with the serious danger that accompanies flash flooding [the DC area, Charlotte, Roanoke Valley, Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids Michigan, Colorado, being some of the troubled areas].
Flooding forces homeowners to ask many difficult questions about water-damaged electrical equipment in their houses:
- Can I use appliances after they dry out?
- Are circuit breakers and fuses safe to use?
- Will I need to replace my electrical wiring?
Floodwater contaminants can create serious fire hazards if electrical wiring and equipment have been submerged in water. Even with professional cleaning and drying, sediments and toxins are difficult to remove.
NEMA makes available for free, its document “Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment” . It provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water. It may be downloaded by visiting the NEMA site at www.nema.org/stds/water-damaged.cfm or by clicking on the link http://www.nema.org/Standards/ComplimentaryDocuments/Evaluating-Water-damaged-Electrical-Equipment.pdf.
NEMA’s document is designed for use by suppliers, installers, inspectors, and users of electrical products. It provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water and outlines which items will require complete replacement or can be reconditioned by a trained professional. Equipment covered includes electrical distribution equipment, motor circuits, power equipment, transformers, wire, cable and flexible cords, wiring devices, GFCIs and surge protectors, lighting fixtures and ballasts, motors, electronic products including signaling, protection, communication systems, and industrial controls, and cable trays.
Related information and downloads:
Replacing or Upgrading Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment
Storm FAQs
UL’s website After the Storm
FEMA’s Flood Fire Safety
NEMA’s Storm & Disaster Recovery
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When we had the flood in Nashville in 2010. The inspectors sent a letter to all the license holders instructing that all breakers and electrical equipment must be replaced if it was submerged