Repairing Your Electrical System Following Flood Water Damage

Considerations after Flood Water Damage to Electrical Wiring, Outlets, Switches, Disconnects, and Electrical Panels & Breakers Floods can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, leaving behind a trail of destruction and uncertainty. One of the most dangerous areas affected is electrical wiring. When water seeps into your home, it doesn’t just damage your walls and possessions; it poses serious risks to your electrical system as well. Understanding how to navigate this situation is crucial for safety and recovery. ​ Water-damaged wiring can lead to shocking consequences—literally! Whether you're dealing with an emergency or planning Floods repairs, knowing what steps to take will help ensure that you keep your family safe and secure during the restoration process. Let’s dive into essential information regarding electrical safety after floods, guidance from NEMA concerning damaged equipment, and critical considerations before making any new installations or replacement. Electrical Safety After Floodwater Damage to Electrical System After a flood, the first step is always safety. If the electrical service entrance main disconnect was not turned off manually prior to flooding, you must assume the power is live until proven otherwise. Calling FPL to verify they have definitively shut down the secondary power conductors feeding the home's or building's meter socket Water and electricity don’t mix well, creating hazards that can lead to electrocution. If your home has been affected, assume all electrical systems are compromised are a shock hazard until verified by a qualified person. Wet and even damp materials should be treated with caution as they will conduct electricity if energized by compromised wiring or other water-damaged electrical components. ​ Always prioritize professional help over DIY fixes when it comes to electrical repairs post-flood. Remember, quick action can prevent further issues and electrical safety issues down the line! NEMA Guidance Concerning Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides essential guidelines for handling water-damaged electrical equipment. They emphasize the importance of assessing damage carefully before any restoration attempts.​ ​ Equipment exposed to floodwaters may have hidden issues that are not immediately visible. NEMA suggests thorough inspections by qualified professionals who can evaluate the full extent of the damage. This includes checking insulation resistance and functionality.​ ​ If you suspect your wiring is compromised, it's crucial to act quickly. Waterlogged systems can pose serious risks like electrocution or fire hazards if not addressed properly. ​ Always prioritize safety over DIY solutions. It’s best to seek out an electrician near you with experience in dealing with water-damaged wiring. Their expertise will ensure a safer environment for you and your family after such events. The 2019 NEMA White Paper can be downloaded from their site by clicking here. Things to Consider Prior to Re-Drywalling or RepairingElectrical Panels & Main Disconnects When navigating the aftermath of a flood, assessing water-damaged wiring is crucial. Before re-drywalling or replacing electrical panels and main disconnects, consider several factors to ensure safety and functionality. First, it’s imperative to have a qualified electrician near you evaluate the damage. They will check if your wiring can be salvaged or needs replacement. Water exposure can lead to corrosion, which may not be immediately visible but could pose serious risks in the near or distant future. Next, think about local building codes and regulations. Many areas require inspection before any significant work begins after flooding. Knowing these guidelines will help avoid potential fines or delays in rebuilding efforts. It is very possibly the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) at your local building department may not have a posted and published flood-damage policy concerning requirements to replace all "dry location" only type wire or cables that have been submerged in flood water. Two common types of dry location cables are NM-B cable and standard dry location MC cable. on their website or in the permitting office. You may need to ask for it. If you are going to replace the NM-B cable you should give serious consideration to spending a little more now to help mitigate the risk of having to do it again, for homes UF cable (it is similar to NM-B cable but is listed for use in wet locations by UL or ETL) should be considered as alternative to just re-wiring with standard residential indoor wire like NM-B cable or the most current popular wiring for commercial buildings, standard indoor MC cable. At the very least, give serious consideration to replacing all NM-B cable in your home that is at or under the applicable base flood range elevation for the flood zone your property is located in. For commercial buildings and residences, it may be a viable option to install PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial rated MC cable that CAN be used in a wet location. When replacing electrical service equipment such as an electrical panel and electrical service main disconnects. be sure to verify this the new service equipment will be installed above the base flood range elevation for the flood zone appliable to your property. You cannot assume the existing height your water-damaged electrical panel or disconnect is installed at will meet current regulations and codes. Additionally, assess whether your current system meets present-day electrical standards. Sometimes upgrades are necessary—not just for safety but also for efficiency purposes as technology evolves. The latest fast EV chargers installed in homes are fused at 60 amps. If you end up with two electric vehicles in the future there is a strong likelihood your electrical service could be drawing around 80 to 90 amps simultaneously. Most home electrical services in our area are 150 to 200 amps. Two EV chargers could use half or more of the current available amperage. ​ Taking these considerations into account ensures that you approach restoration safely while creating not necessarily a future-proof, but probable route to the most future-resistant electrical systems.