How to ensure your home is electrically safe following a flood

Many homes around the UK have been affected by the recent poor weather conditions which seem to be showing no signs of going away any time soon. At the start of 2014, it was estimated that half the country was underwater and some communities in Somerset are still only accessible by boat.

Electricians in South East London

At Fulcher Edwards we have been carrying out electrical work in London that has mainly involved changing consumer units that have been water damaged and testing electrical installations for safety before they're switched on. It is a dreadful situation for householders to face and we are committed to helping home owners, landlords and business owners across London to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

It is a worrying situation but worse still, there is further flooding expected as rain continues. If you have been unlucky enough to have been affected by floods, it is important to ensure your home is not only free of water before you return to it, but also that the utilities are safe to use. Many electrical systems, gas pipes and other utility supplies have been dangerously affected by water and unfortunately are dangerous to use.

Check for danger first

Keen to get back to normal, understandably householders are not thinking about checking for water damage before switching on light switches, plugging in appliances such as vacuum cleaners and generally attempting to get back to normal.

Check your fuse box

Before you begin cleaning up after being flooded, you need to ensure your electrical installation is safe. It is all too easy to switch on a light or boil the kettle without thinking about it, so make checking your fuse box the first thing you do when you return to your home.

Checking your fuse box safely

Switch off the electrical supply at the fuse box. You may need a torch to do this in poor light. You need to find the big red switch and switch it into the 'off position'.

You will now be able to inspect your fuse box safely. Use a torch to visually check your fusebox for water damage – look for evidence of water inside the fuse box or signs of arcing or overheating where water may have been.

If you spot any of these signs or you're just not 100% certain, call a qualified and registered electrician such as an NICEIC electrician in London to take a look before switching it back on. Never take a chance on electrical safety – always be 100% sure it is safe to switch your electricity back on before doing so.

What an electrician will do to help

An electrician will not only check your fuse box but also other aspects of your electrical installation in your home such as the wiring and sockets. This is known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR.) The report will highlight areas which need attention. If there is only minor damage from flooding, the wiring might just need to be dried out and switches, plugs and sockets replaced.

For more serious damage, the worst affected parts of your home may need to be rewired. If this is the case it will be well worth asking the electrical contractor if they can raise the height of the fuse box and sockets to above water level to prevent electrical flood damage in the future.

Check electrical appliances for damage

Large appliances affected by water will need to be replaced. The safest way of ascertaining appliance safety is to have them PAT tested. PAT testing is more than just appliances though. You also need to ascertain the electrical safety of items such as electric cookers, boilers and storage heaters. It is worth keeping portable appliances out of the reach of potential flood water if possible.

Cleaning flood water before an electrician checks your electrics

If you are attempting to clear flood water before it is practical to have your home electrics checked, take extra care when cleaning around electrics. Never touch any exposed wiring as it may be live and only clear up if it is safe to do so.

Remember to take photographs of the flood water and the damage caused for insurance purposes.

Conclusion

Only ever use genuine qualified and registered electrical contractors in London to carry out electrical work in your home. Unregistered electricians prey on householders affected by the floods so don't forget to check their credentials before you allow an electrician to work in your home.