Salvaging Flood Damaged Electrical Equipment

In acknowledgment of the hazards associated with working around electrical equipment that has been exposed to flood water, experts at Littelfuse, Inc., are offering the following instructions for a safe restoration.

Flood waters are generally contaminated and leave conductive and/or corrosive residues inside equipment that can produce shock and fire hazards. Affected equipment should be replaced or refurbished to avoid risk of fire and shock.

Workers should replace any fuses that were submerged, even if they look dry on the outside. Fuses contain filler materials such as sand to quench the arcs that form when the fuse elements open. The filler material may absorb water and compromise the fuse's ability to interrupt an overload or short circuit safely. Because of the fuse's body design, the filler material will not dry out, so all fuses need to be replaced.

Experts advise against mixing fuse brands in a three-phase application. Instead, electricians should replace all three fuses with the UL Class and rating from the same manufacturer, mainly because performance between fuses can vary slightly.

To enhance performance and reliability, replace all non-current limiting fuses such as old style UL Class H or Class K5 with Class RK5 or more current-limiting Class RK1 fuses. Class RK1 fuses have the same physical dimensions as UL Class H, K5, and RK5 fuses, but provide better protection for personnel and equipment. By standardizing on Class RK1 fuses, the job of preparing equipment for restart is simplified, and contract electricians need to stock only one type of fuse.

Here is a checklist of additional electrical system restoration tips:
1. Make sure the power is actually off. Before evacuation, power should have been shut off at the main service switch. If the switch was left in the "on" position and the utility disconnected power outside the building, have the facility inspected by an electrician to make sure that the power is actually "off" before other workers enter the premises. After power has been shut off by the power utility, the utility will need written authorization before restoring electric service.

2. Inspect the surrounding area for standing water. Flood cleanup usually begins when locations are still wet. Because water conducts electricity, using an appliance such as a wet vacuum or power saw at the cleanup location may be hazardous. To protect workers, companies should use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

3. Identify electrical equipment that was or may have been submerged. It is hazardous to allow equipment simply to dry and then re-energize it. Some equipment can never be reused and must be replaced. Any reusable electrical equipment or appliances that have been wet should not be used until they have been serviced by an electrician or a service center authorized by the equipment manufacturer.

4. Inspect electrical equipment that was not submerged. Even if electrical equipment was not submerged, it should be inspected by a qualified person to determine whether moisture has entered the enclosures.

5. Replace or refurbish large electrical equipment, such as:

• switchgear panel boards;
• motor control centers; or
  
• motors transformers.

6. Replace small components of wiring infrastructure:

• receptacles;
• switches;
• light fixtures; or
  
• dimmers.

7. Replace circuit protection devices and power distribution devices:

• fuses;
• disconnect switches;
• GFCIs;
• arc fault circuit interrupters;
• surge protection devices; or
  
• molded case circuit breakers.

8. Examine bus ways and replace or recondition them. Bus ways with powder coated bars may be reconditioned and reused. Bus way with Mylar wrapped bars must be replaced, since water and corrosive contaminants cannot be removed effectively from beneath the wrapping.

9. Inspect motor control equipment and replace or refurbish. Components containing semiconductors and transistors must be replaced. This includes electronically controlled and solid state contactors and starters. Overload relays must also be replaced. Some motor control equipment can be refurbished and reused. Adjustable speed drives (not the electronic kind) can be saved, as well as manual and magnetic controllers and motor control centers.

10. Inspect power equipment. Electronic trip units of low voltage power breakers must be replaced. High voltage circuit breakers (AC); low voltage power circuit breakers; protective relays, meters, and current transformers may be refurbished and reused, as may low voltage and medium voltage switchgear.

11. Replace dry type transformers, and analyze liquid filled transformers. All dry type transformers regardless of kVA ratings, all dry type control circuit transformers and all cast resin transformers must be replaced. For liquid filled transformers, analysis of the insulating medium is required for evaluation.

12. Replace wire, cable, or flexible cord. Wire or cable listed for dry locations (such as NM-B) must be replaced. Wire or cable that is suitable for wet locations may be refurbished and reused, provided the ends of the wire or cable have not been exposed to water and the wire is not damaged.

13. Replace or refurbish other devices. Signaling, protection, and communications systems must be replaced. Cable trays (replace damaged labels), fire pump controllers and motors may be refurbished and reused.

More detailed information on what equipment may be refurbished and reused and what must be replaced is available in a set of NEMA guidelines entitled "Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment."

It is extremely important for professionals to follow the necessary precautions when working on flood damaged electrical equipment. The conditions this environment presents make this a time to be especially aware of safety procedures. Following this checklist for electrical system restoration will reduce hazards for both equipment and personnel.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Tips For Those Affected By Midwest Flooding

This Web Exclusive comes from Bill Begal, 2007 Phoenix Award winner for innovation in restoration and president of Begal Enterprises, Inc. This collection of "best practices" is based on Begal's experiences with past clients. So while it may seem like common sense, it could help businesses or individuals who have never faced such a massive loss.

Begal adds, "The purpose [of these tips] is to assist any friends, family members, or associates that may have flood damage and are not sure of what to do, where to turn, or even where to begin."

• Get a notebook and keep track of any and all dates, times, and persons that you talk to in regards to your claim.
• Get a copy of your insurance policy. This will define and determine your limits as well as your rights and responsibilities to and from your insurance company.
• Speak/sit down with your adjuster.
• Define who is taking responsibility for your loss.
• What are your responsibilities and duties to comply as well as make a smooth and seamless process?
• Ask what is the process for listing and valuating your T/L (total loss) personal property. Do not throw ANYTHING away; everything has value.
• Follow up EVERY meeting and conversation with an e-mail to memorialize and capture what was discussed and might have been agreed to. This will eliminate confusion and misunderstandings later on.
• Define and get an explanation of what is necessary to be reimbursed for any lost rent or interruption of business.
• Ask your adjuster for a sufficient advance for purchases that are necessary. Include enough money to assist with your first month and security deposit for a temporary dwelling.
• Save ALL receipts for any and all meals, hotels, purchases, toiletries, vitamins, cosmetics etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment if you are entering a disaster zone: gloves, hard hat, approved respirator, Tyvek suit, etc.
• Refer to the EPA Web site to answer questions on mold and how to clean or disinfect properly.
• NEVER EVER open a refrigerator or freezer that has been off for more than a week to 10 days. The smell will knock you over.
• DO NOT TAKE ANY FOOD, PRESCRIPTIONS, or COSMETICS FROM THE BUILDING that have gotten wet or been exposed to an unusual amount of moisture or heat.
• ALWAYS remember that it is your decision, NOT the adjusters, as to which service provider can assist you.
• NO ONE can demand or force you to use a particular company at any time for any reason.
• Check references for any and all companies that you retain to perform work on your behalf.

Begal, who is based in Rockville, MD, regularly assists those who are dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, and acknowledges, "The recovery process can be overwhelming when all you have appears to be damaged or ruined." His company is currently preparing to mobilize labor and equipment with in the next week, as national clients have requested assistance in different areas in Iowa and Missouri. He can be contacted directly toll-free at 888-BEGAL44.