Jerry Brown Domestic Electrician Telephone: (01684) 567565

Flooded?

Some things you should and shouldn't do with electrics

		If there is a threat of your property flooding, isolate the electrics affecting that part if possible. This could be as simple as removing/breaking the fuse to the downstairs ring main (sockets) isolating any single items fed from your fuse box e.g.,
	a.	Separate supply to a Freezer
	b.	The supply for the ground mounted boiler (remember even a gas boiler usually has an electrical supply)
	c.	Night storage heaters, should have there own independent fuse (often with there own fuse box)
	d.	Basement lighting
	e.	Basement sockets (often installed as an addition to the ring main)
	f.	Water booster pumps (especially if services below ground level)
	g.	External sockets and external ground lighting
		If your electrics have been flooded, always get a competent electrician to inspect/test before reinstatement
		Always replace damaged electrical outlets, like sockets and switches as it's never worth taking a risk with electrics
		Alway turn off the supply at the mains before removing a socket or switch to replace it, and then only if fully confident in what you are about to do. Preferably, let a qualified electrician to do this for you
		Listed are some of the less obvious problems caused by flooding electrics:
	a.	The PVC of sockets and switches expands and cracks when submerged for long periods
	b.	The sockets fill up with mud and silt which is conductive, and even when the water subsides, it remains within the socket and back box
	c.	Older homes with the steel back boxes will have prolonged problems with the screws and box rusting, well after the floods have been mopped up
		Some of the long-term things you can do to prevent electrical damage if the waters enter your property again
	a.	Have the electrical entry (main meter) into the property moved (This can only be done through your electricity provider, as everything up to and including the meter belongs to them. You only own wiring and equipment on your side of the meter)
	b.	Move the Fuse Box on to the first floor or at least to a higher position
	c.	Move any "at risk" electrical outlets above the flood line
	d.	Consider having any "at risk" electrical outlets put on their own fuses, to allow easy isolation if floods threaten
		Some of the short-term things you can do to prevent electrical damage if the waters enter your property again
	a.	Don't leave electrical equipment plugged in and on (e.g., televisions) if going away, especially if there is a risk of flooding
	b.	Disconnect any "at risk" external items, like ground lighting
	c.	Do not keep electrical equipment (e.g., videos) in low cupboards, whilst the property is vacated
	d.	A lamp left on a timer can often be a good idea when away, but main lights can be set to timer switches as well, if water can cause problems
	e.	Don't leave those transformers (mobile phone chargers etc.) plugged in and on

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, reliance upon it is entirely at your own risk and no responsibility will be accepted for any loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of reliance upon it whether such loss or damage is suffered directly or indirectly.

Remember it's never worth taking a chance with Electrics

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