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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., |
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a. |
Separate supply to a Freezer |
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b. |
The supply for the ground mounted boiler (remember
even a gas boiler usually has an electrical supply) |
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c. |
Night storage heaters, should have there own
independent fuse (often with there own fuse box) |
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d. |
Basement lighting |
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e. |
Basement sockets (often installed as an addition to
the ring main) |
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f. |
Water booster pumps (especially if services below
ground level) |
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g. |
External sockets and external ground lighting |
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If your electrics have been flooded, always get
a competent electrician to inspect/test before reinstatement |
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Always replace damaged electrical outlets, like
sockets and switches as it's never worth taking a risk with
electrics |
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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 |
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Listed are some of the less obvious problems
caused by flooding electrics: |
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a. |
The PVC of sockets and switches expands and cracks
when submerged for long periods |
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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 |
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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 |
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Some of the long-term things you can do to
prevent electrical damage if the waters enter your property again |
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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) |
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b. |
Move the Fuse Box on to the first floor or at least
to a higher position |
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c. |
Move any "at risk" electrical outlets
above the flood line |
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d. |
Consider having any "at risk" electrical
outlets put on their own fuses, to allow easy isolation if floods
threaten |
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Some of the short-term things you can do to
prevent electrical damage if the waters enter your property again |
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a. |
Don't leave electrical equipment plugged in and on
(e.g., televisions) if going away, especially if there is a risk of
flooding |
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b. |
Disconnect any "at risk" external items,
like ground lighting |
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c. |
Do not keep electrical equipment (e.g., videos) in
low cupboards, whilst the property is vacated |
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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 |
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e. |
Don't leave those transformers (mobile phone
chargers etc.) plugged in and on |
