Replace and repair

Flood in my backyard

What electrical repairs should be undertaken after a flooding incident. (Photo Credits)

One of the concerns of homeowners who may have experience flooding in their homes, is making sure that the electrical details and wirings of their home remain safe. After all, water and electricity can never be the best of friends, and that this dangerous mix can be fatal.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, and the American Red Cross published a manuscript which serves as a guide for homeowners reeling from a flooding situation.

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In their guide, they detailed some measures homeowners may undertake relative to the flooding that occurred. However, they emphasized that if a homeowner is not comfortable to work on their electrical fixtures, the safest thing to do is to call for professional electrician services. Build Safe    

“Check with your building or electrical inspector to see how much work you can do on your wiring. Many local codes require that a licensed electrician do the work, or that a municipal inspector check the system before you can turn the power back on. The electrical system should be tackled in two parts:  the main breaker or fuse box and the circuits.  If the main box got wet, it should be checked and cleaned by an electrician before you turn the power back on.  You should have the electrician move your main box above flood level for future protection.”

Download the whole manual here.

 Safety First

UK-Based ElectricalSafety.Org for its part advised homeowners against attempting any electrical repair in their home, once they get back after a flooding occurrence. Electrician

“If the water damage to electrics is relatively minor and caused by clean water, i.e. a burst water pipe or tank, then it is likely that the registered electrician will just need to dry out cables and replace any accessories affected by the water (sockets, switches, plugs etc.) If there is major flood damage to the electrics caused by clean or contaminated water, then it is likely that parts of the electrical installation will need to be rewired. When rewiring is necessary, ask the registered electrician about the possibility of raising the height of the newly installed electrical equipment, including raising the fuse box and sockets to above any future expected flood level.”

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More information can be found from the original article here.

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The Spruce meantime came up with an advice for its readers who may be returning to their flooded homes. In their write-up they emphasized the importance of upholding safety as homeowners re-enter their property. Priority, according to their article is to turn off power before entering the home.

“If the only way to disconnect the gas and power is inside the home and there’s water where you have to shut them off, don’t enter the home to do so until you can safely enter the home and the water has been removed. Remember, water and electricity don’t mix. Every year people die from electrocution in flood-related accidents. Many are from entering a home after the flood waters have receded.”

Check out the whole article here.

Flooded homes are indeed a safety hazard. It is important to seek licensed electrical contractor services to ensure the safety of the whole family as they return to their respective homes.

Gforce Green Electric Solutions
2920 McGraw St San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 480-6559
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