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?

The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) offer the following warnings about the dangers present when water comes in contact with electricity. Follow these safety recommendations when handling electrical equipment that has been exposed to water.

Short term
Floodwaters are likely to be contaminated with unknown chemicals, oils, sewage, fertilizers, bacteria, germs and silt. Any of these can cause illness or death. Therefore, it is essential that you:

• Stay out of the floodwater.

• Do not drink, cook, wash dishes or bathe in floodwater.

• Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled for at least five minutes. (Be sure the water cools first!)

• Clean and sanitize (sanitizing solution should consist of one capful of bleach in one gallon of water) ALL items that come in contact with floodwater.

• Do not plug a portable generator into an outlet, patch it into electrical wiring or connect it directly to a main electrical panel. Doing so could damage equipment, cause fires or cause power to flow into an electrical line, endangering persons in the home, neighbors and possibly utility crews working in the area.

Floodwater contaminants can also 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.

Long term
As families begin to clean up after a flood, there may be hidden electrical hazards. This is not a do-it-yourself project! Before beginning, have a qualified electrician check the house wiring, assess other damages and proceed with repair work. Then follow these important safety tips:

• Do not flip a switch or plug in an appliance until an electrician tells you it is safe.

• Do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface. Use a dry plastic- or rubber-insulated tool to reset breakers and use only one hand.

• Do not allow power cord connections to become wet. Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on a three-prong plug.

• Use portable ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protective devices to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.

• If electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, fuses, GFCIs, receptacles, plugs and switches have been submerged, discard them.

• When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric shock.

• Portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas that is colorless and odorless. For this reason, portable generators should never be used indoors or outdoors near open doors, windows or vents.

• Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances. Electrical parts can pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire.

Replace or recondition?
Some items may be reconditioned, while others will need to be completely replaced to protect your family. It is recommended that you allow an electrician or electrical inspector to guide the restoration or replacement of any electrical wiring or equipment.

Corrosion and insulation damage can occur when water and silt get inside electrical devices and products. Water can also damage the motors in electrical appliances. Therefore, you should be prepared to replace:

• Circuit breakers and fuses

• All electrical wiring systems

• Light switches, thermostats, outlets, light fixtures, electric heaters, ceiling fans

• Furnace burner and blower motors, ignition transformers, elements, relays (for furnaces and hot water tanks)

• Hot water tanks

• Washing machines, dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, freezers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, vacuums, power tools, exercise equipment and similar appliances

• Electronic equipment, including computers and home entertainment systems

The devastation of a flood is enormous. As the contaminated waters recede, there may be even more threats to your personal health and safety. By taking basic precautions, you can help prevent many injuries. IAEI and UL urge you to always put the safety of your family first.

For more information, contact your local electrical inspector or visit http://www.ul.com/katrinafloodwaters

Order Floodwaters brochure
To obtain copies of this brochure, submit a request online (opens to an outside link) or contact:
   
Literature Stock
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
phone +1-847-664-3731
fax +1-847-313-3731
e-mail Danica.Walker@us.ul.com 
   

Notice and disclaimer
The above list is not all-inclusive. IAEI and UL disclaim any liability for personal injury or damages of any nature, resulting from this information. Each individual is encouraged to seek professional services from a trained and qualified electrician or electrical inspector.

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