Homes and businesses are powered by electricity. Electricity makes life easier, but it has to be handled carefully. The risk of danger when electric components come into contact with water is very high. Water damage is a common cause of property damage in the US. And when it occurs it can cause electrical damage. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Services Inc. is a full-service damage restoration and contracting company that is fully licensed and insured for all construction, electrical, remodeling, and general contracting services. In this article, the company explains the dangerous effects of water damage on electrical wiring.
Electrical wires are conductors transmitting electricity. They transmit electricity from a transformer to an outlet in a commercial or residential building. Electricity is conducted in appliances and electronic devices by wires. The wire consists of a conductor, usually of copper (but can be of aluminum or other material), and is insulated with a non-conductive plastic coating. Electrical wires are of different materials, casings, and sizes, and they handle different electrical loads. When two or more wires are assembled in an insulator like plastic, it is called a cable. Conduits are individual wires that are installed inside a rigid or flexible plastic or metal tubing. This is usually used where the wiring will be exposed.
An electrical system that is exposed to water damage can be compromised. This can lead to hazards. After water damage, it is best that the main electrical supply is switched off by a trained and licensed professional electrician to ensure it is done safely.
How Is Wiring Affected by Water Damage
The insulation, current carrying capability, and mechanical operation of electrical systems and equipment can be affected by exposure to water. The functioning of electrical devices is impacted. The expected interruption of power to circuits under abnormal circumstances does not happen. This increases the risk of fire and electrical shock. Floodwater can contain elements that damage the integrity of electrical systems and wiring.
Dangers Caused by Water Damage of Electrical Wiring
Risk of fire increases when wires are exposed or come into contact with each other. This causes heat to build up and can lead to a fire.
Floodwater may have corrosives or contaminants that can damage the wires.
Electrocution can happen when people handle wiring in water-damaged areas, are in standing water that may have a fallen electrical line, or come into contact with malfunctioning electrical equipment that was water damaged.
Water damage affects circuits and can cause power surges and malfunctions which damage electrical appliances.
How To Identify Water Damage To Electrical Wiring
If there is a buzzing or humming sound from any appliance or wiring, it can be due to a rogue charge, and there is a chance of electrocution. It is safe to have all electrical equipment or systems that were submerged or in contact with water inspected by professionally qualified and licensed electricians. They can be repaired or replaced by them as needed. While outdoor wiring and equipment that are designed for wet locations may be unaffected by water damage, it is safer that this is ascertained by a professional.
What to Do After Water Damage
Extreme caution should be exercised if there is standing water. The main electrical supply should be switched off by a professional.
Lighting switches and electrical outlets that were submerged should be replaced. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, the outlets replaced must have ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection.
Electrical appliances and equipment that were submerged by floodwater may need replacement. Sometimes equipment like submersible sump pumps may not need to be replaced. This is best checked by an electrician, especially if the water may have contained contaminants or corrosives.
After water damage, there can be condensation moisture or mold growth in switchboards and panels with uninsulated busses. This can cause corrosion and can lead to electrical hazards like fire or electrocution.
Water damage can be devastating. It can affect everything in the building and the structure of the building itself. Delay to start, or an inefficient restoration process can worsen the damage and increase the water damage restoration costs. This is why homeowners find it better to have trained professionals with the expertise to deal with water damage restoration. Water damage can leave dangerous effects on electrical wiring. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Services offers exemplary full service damage restoration services by trained, licensed, and certified professionals. They can be reached at (561) 316-3989 for immediate assistance after water damage. Suncoast Contracting has been offering general contracting services to business and residential clients in South Florida for 75 years.
