Lately the news has been full of reports about flooding, and with hurricane season in full swing and the wet winter months ahead, it brings the question: Can electrical wiring be water damaged?
The answer is yes, and the combination of water and electricity are dangerous, especially in commercial buildings that require complex electrical systems.
If there is ever a question of whether a commercial electrical system has been damaged, call an electrical contractor, such as Apex Electric, right away to avoid any serious harm and to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How Does Electrical Wiring Become Damaged?
What happens when electrical wiring gets wet depends on the type of wiring and how the wiring is exposed:
- Unexposed Wiring:
An example of an unexposed wire, is the fully contained cord of a piece of equipment. That cord contains 3 smaller wires; a live wire, a copper ground wire and a neutral wire that are normally contained within plastic.
If you were to spill a liquid on this wire, it would likely be fine because it is protected in plastic; just let it dry and continue use. However, if the appliance is submerged in water or the socket or plug has gotten wet, it will need to be evaluated and treated much like exposed wiring.
- Exposed Wiring
Exposed wiring is the area where the live wire, copper ground wire and neutral wire are exposed. This can be due to breaks in the coating or due to rust or water damage. Moisture can increase the electrical current, which in some cases can blow a fuse, shutting down the power and can pose major safety risks.
What Are the Types of Water Exposure:
- Moisture Exposure is the exposure of water to wiring through the air due to things such as humidity or wet surroundings like insulation.
- Flood Exposure is the full submersion of electrical wiring in water.
- It is also important to take in consideration corrosion or mold build up that can worsen damage to wiring and can cause issues later on that may not have initially appeared.
What are the risks of electrical wire damage?
Electric Shock
Anytime there is damage to an electrical wire, there is risk of electric shock. Water accelerates this problem, because it is an excellent conductor of electricity. Handling damaged wires, wet equipment or even tools sitting in standing water is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided.
Fires
Water or moisture increasing the electrical current causes power surges that can blow a fuse, but if it doesn’t it can actually cause fires. If power continues, exposed wires can make contact with conductor surfaces causing heat to build up and material to burn.
Flood Dangers
Power surges from water can damage devices or equipment and make them dangerous to use. In addition, flood waters can be contaminated with chemicals, sewage, oil, silt, salt (in the case of ocean water), all of which increase damage to wiring. Even if wiring is still usable, it must be properly cleaned to reduce the risk of erosion.
Steps to Take When Water Damage is Expected:
When water damage is seen or expected, it is important to take the following steps to ensure safety.
Prevent Shock / Turn Off Electricity
The first step should always be to prevent shock. If you are in immediate danger, this means removing yourself from the situation immediately. If possible, contact the building manager to shut off the electricity at its source, or do it yourself if you know how and can do so safely.
If you notice a humming or a buzzing coming from any wires or appliances, stay clear of them until they have been properly evaluated, because this means it is holding a charge and can shock you.
Finally, take note of any standing water and make sure there are no wires or appliances sitting in them if you have to walk through them.
If there is any damage or suspected damage call an expert immediately, do not try to fix it yourself.
An Expert Will Examine Wiring or Cables
All wiring and cables that have been exposed to moisture or submerged in water should be fully examined to ensure they are safe for use. Some cables will need immediate replacement, while others may just need proper cleaning to prevent future erosion issues.
An Expert Will Replace Exposed Wires or Cables
Wires or cables damaged by moisture or exposed to flood waters must be replaced in order to be used safely and ensure the electrical system as a whole continues to function.
In Summary
Electrical damage and flooding can be scary to deal with, especially at a commercial level, but taking the steps to keep yourself safe and knowing who to call in an emergency are the best tools to fix the problem quickly and safely.
