Here at Electrical Experts Coventry, my team and I are often asked for advice about electrical checks after a flood or water leak.
As we all know, water and electricity are a dangerous mix. A water leak or flood in your Coventry home can have serious consequences if not dealt with correctly. Wiring that has been damaged by water dramatically increases the risk of fire or shock. As the go-to local experts for electrical safety in Coventry we decided to put together a brief guide to help you navigate this stressful situation.
Electrical Safety after a flood or water leak – The Basics
There are a few basic, common sense electrical safety tips following a leak or flood in your property.
- Don’t enter your property unless you are informed it is safe to do so by the relevant authorities.
- Ensure the electrical supply is switched off at the fuse box, if you can do so safely. If water has reached your fuse box seek professional advice urgently.
- Don’t attempt any electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies yourself - always use a registered electrician.
- Move any portable appliances away from any flooded areas but do not use them until they have been assessed by an electrician.
- Avoid any exposed areas of wiring, they may be live.
- Do not switch on any mains powered appliances unless you have been cleared to do so by your electrician.
When should I have electrical checks after a water leak or flood?
It is important to note that an electrician can only check or test your electrics once a water leak has been rectified or flood waters have receded. The area will also need to have been allowed to dry for a period of time. This is so your electrician can fully assess the damage without risk of further issues arising. To aid this process a qualified electrician may be able to install a temporary power supply to allow other trades to repair the issue and for dehumidifiers to help dry the area. Once your electrics are accessible and sufficiently dry, your electrician can begin their inspection and testing.
What electrical checks do I need after a flood or leak?
There are two main electrical checks that should be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician following any water damage to your home. Both are useful when making a claim on your household insurance. These checks are:
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)– An EICR is an in-depth safety inspection of your entire electrical installation. This is the main electrical safety check that you will need after a flood or water leak. It should be carried out before any repairs begin to establish exactly where the water has caused issues. An experienced and qualified electrician will thoroughly inspect your electrics looking for any signs of wear, damage, or faults. It will determine whether it is a simple task of replacing sockets and fittings that are water damaged or if rewiring is required.
- PAT Testing of your electrical appliances – PAT testing after a water leak or flood event will help you determine which of your appliances are safe to use and which are no longer suitable. It can be hard to tell by sight alone whether an electrical appliance has been affected and it is better to be safe than sorry. It is also far more cost effective to have large electrical appliances, such as your oven, PAT tested than to replace them unnecessarily.
If your Coventry property has suffered from water damage from either flood or a leak, my team and I at Electrical Experts are on hand to ensure your electrics are safe. As fully qualified, NICEIC registered electricians we have the skills and experience to fix your issues swiftly and, most importantly, safely. Call our friendly, reliable team today.