Flood Cleanup: Electrical Systems

Heating systems and appliances

Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked by NB Power or the Department of Public Safety's Electrical Inspectors.

If your power has been turned off by NB Power, you must contact your local electrical inspector before NB Power will turn on your electrical supply.

If your power has not been turned off by NB Power, you can contact your local electrical inspector, or an accredited electrical contractor.

Electrical Tips

• Use extreme caution when returning home to a flood damaged area.
• Stay clear of wires.
• Do not assume that any part of a flooded electrical installation/appliance is safe.
• Disconnect power prior to inspecting electrical devices.
• Call a certified electrician for repairs to electrical appliances/installations to ensure your safety when you re-energize your electrical system.
• Do not energize any electrical equipment if it has been under water. These items may work and appear safe but once they have been under water, they could cause electrocution or fire.

To prevent a fire and electrical hazard, you may need to replace/repair the following:

• Light switches, thermostats, outlets, light fixtures, electric heaters, ceiling fans, etc.
• Furnace burner and blower motor, ignition transformer, elements, relay (oil furnace and oil hot water tank, electric furnace).
• Hot water tank (electric, oil, or propane).
• Electrical appliances, sump pump, water pumps and related equipment, washer, dryer, dehumidifier, vacuum, tools, exercise equipment. There are many switches, motors, and transformers that will be corroded.
• Breakers, fuses, fuse holders.

Inspections

Whether you use a wood, gas or electrical heating system, you must have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician before using it again. If they have been soaked, replace the furnace blower motor, switches and controls. Flooded forced-air heating ducts and return-duct pans should be either cleaned or replaced.

Replace filters and insulation inside furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers if they have been wet. However, it is often cheaper to replace this equipment.

The Department of Public Safety's Electrical Inspectors are available at the following numbers:

Regional Office

Bathurst, Technical Inspection Services Campbellton, Technical Inspection Services Edmundston, Technical Inspection Services Fredericton, Technical Inspection Services

Miramichi, Technical Inspection Services   Moncton, Technical Inspection Services  Saint John, Technical Inspection Services Woodstock, Technical Inspection Services