After suffering damages caused by flooding, it may be instinctive to immediately begin the cleanup process. The North Dakota State Electrical Board would like to remind North Dakotans to use caution when dealing with water-damaged electrical equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment that has been exposed to flood waters can be extremely dangerous if not examined and repaired or replaced.
It may not be initially apparent that wiring or fixtures are damaged. Flood waters can cause corrosion, sediment and other contaminants can be lodged in the equipment.
Article 24-02-01-10.1. Water-damaged electrical equipment requires that:
Electrical wiring and equipment exposed to water damage shall comply with the following:
1. All breaker panel boards, breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, controllers, receptacles, switches, light fixtures, and electric heaters that have been submerged or exposed to water damage shall be replaced or all electrical equipment, switchgear, motor control centers, boilers and boiler controls, electric motors, transformers, and other similar equipment such as appliances, water heaters, dishwashers, ovens, and ranges that have been submerged shall be reconditioned by the original manufacturer or by an approved representative or replaced.
2. Electrical wiring may require replacement depending on the type of wire or cable and what application it was listed for.
3. Splices and terminations shall be checked to make sure they comply with article 110.14, 2008 edition, National Electrical Code.
Other recommendations can be found in “Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment” published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). A copy can be obtained by going to NEMA’s website at http://www.nema.org/stds/water-damaged.cfm#download, or by sending an e-mail request to electric@nd.gov.
The electrical system may also be checked and certified by a licensed electrical contractor to assure the system will be safe to energize. If you have any questions about your electrical system, call your local electrical contractor, a city or state electrical inspector, or the North Dakota State Electrical Board office at (701) 328-9522.
please replace anything that has been submurged. one of the leading causes of fire in a home is electrical. if you don’t know what your doing then find someone who does. i’m an electrician and i’ve seen some wiring in my own house done by the previous owner that scares me!!!!!!