Heavy precipitation, rising river levels, or melted snow could all play a role in flooding. It is one of the most common risks in the United States, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported. Whether the flooding comes on swiftly or gradually, it can still threaten your home’s electrical system.
No one must be reminded of the dangers of combining water and electricity. Because of the potential for electrical shock, dealing with floods is a top priority. From floods to accidental spills, there are many potential water sources in electrical outlets around the house. This causes a direct effect on the overall electrical system, which might require circuit breakers repair or installation.
Due to the fatal combination of water and electricity, knowing what can happen and what to do when they come into contact can be greatly beneficial. In this blog post, Westlake Village Electricians will discuss that.
So, what happens when flood water or any form of condensation gets into the circuit breaker?
Water into an electrical panel increases the risk of corrosion, fire, and breaker failure. Repairing the panel or purchasing a new box may be necessary if it has sustained significant damage.
When an electrical panel gets wet, it presents a serious and unsafe situation that one must deal with immediately. There may be waterproof options for breaker boxes and electrical panels, but it is generally not recommended to get regular hardware wet. Circuit breakers are not built to withstand the effects of water, so they are always intended for a dry, indoor environment, especially if it does not have a water-resistant cover.
Let us discuss three possible risks that will likely happen after the circuit breaker gets wet. Especially if they are in a flood zone, so you know what to expect:
- Electrocution
Electrocution is one of the most evident problems arising from water on a circuit panel. Due to the high voltages and currents that are present in electrical panels, accidental electrocution is a serious risk. Water conducts electricity well, so touching a wet circuit breaker greatly increases the risk of electrocution.
- Failure Due to Corrosion of Electrical Components
Submersion in water can corrode the breakers’ electrical components. After corroding screw terminals and breaker switches, water can harm electrical connections made during installation or maintenance. Likewise, voltage drops and other electrical issues can be caused by corrosion at wire connections.
- Electrical Fire
When water gets into an electrical panel, it can lead to devastating outcomes. Wire connections and screw terminals are especially vulnerable to corrosion, which can boost engine temperature and increase fire risk. Short circuits and other electrical problems brought on by water can lead to power outages and fires.
Electrical Safety Measures You Can Take After a Flood
After a flood, affected homeowners will be very busy tearing out carpets, drywall, and sheetrock to eliminate the possibility of mold growth. However, many people will need to start the rebuilding process by first removing the wiring, outlets, switches, and other electrical components.
You may not give much thought to the possibility of an electrical mishap when dealing with your flood-affected home, but best believe you should. Here are some electrical safety measures we recommend that you take during or after a flood has occurred:
- Do not be impulsive
Try not to react rashly if you find water in your electrical panel or breaker box. Wet circuit breakers are exceedingly hazardous, so it is always best to have a professional electrician deal with them.
- Do not immediately assume it is safe to go in
Turning off the main breaker switch in a house is not sufficient for protecting a family from electrical hazards. You may experience electrocution if your home is submerged in water, including the outlets, plugged-in appliances, and wet electrical panels. It is important to check in with an electrician to turn off the electric meter.
When a trained expert provides the go-ahead, the most pressing cleanup operations can finally start. However, only certified electricians should carry out the electrical repair work and be timed to coincide with other rebuilding tasks, such as installing new drywall and insulation.
- If safe, disconnect all electrical power in your home
As soon as flooding begins, if you can do so safely, turning off all home electricity can prevent more damage and potential dangers. In cases where you are unsure whether or not shutting off your electricity is safe to do after the flood, consult a professional electrician.
- Unplug damaged or appliances submerged in water
Even if your home’s main electricity seems to be working after a flood, much of your equipment and electronics are likely damaged or rendered useless. If your power is down, unplug anything that could be damaged to reduce the risk of electrocution and possibly save high-priced electronics by giving them time to dry out.
- Keep away from frayed or exposed wires
After a flood, it is important to avoid using any wiring that has frayed, broken, or otherwise displays symptoms of damage. Once the property has dried up, it is important to inspect any exposed wiring that could cause an electric shock or possibly a fire. If there is visible damage to your electrical system, you should get in touch with an expert as soon as possible to fix it.
- Prepare to replace electrical equipment and waterlogged appliances
Most electronics are not designed to endure even brief periods of water immersion. You will likely need to replace various electrical components, such as switches, outlet receptacles, circuit boards, fuses, and fuse boxes.
It is possible that some electrical equipment, like refrigerators and freezers, will still function after a flood has passed, but it’s best to have an expert examine them first. It would help if you had an electrician check the grounding and bonding as well for any signs of damage.
Learn from Westlake Village Electrician and see more of our insightful blogs about anything electrical-related. You can also contact us to book an appointment for any electrical services needed.