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At Voltimum, we don’t need to remind you about the flooding of large areas of Southern and South Western England. You’ve been bombarded by news of the storms every day for weeks, and for those nearby, the effects and damage are only too self-evident. But, asks James Hunt, what happens to the electrical installations when the houses and businesses do eventually dry out?
According to the Guardian newspaper, since 29th January, 1,135 homes have been flooded. During this time, more than 181,000 homes have been protected and more than 200,000 homes have been sent a flood warning following the wettest January since records began in 1766. It is likely that still more homes, as well as businesses, will be flooded soon as the latest rains reach the rivers.
The clear-up costs after the latest floods could reach £1bn, according to accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The TV cameras show only too clearly the depressing effects of what filthy brown water does to a cherished home, but what should be done once the floodwaters have finally subsided? In particular, what to do about electrical installations? Wet low voltage electrics pose a serious risk to life, after all.
It is, unfortunately, true that misery for some will result in more work for electrical contractors and installers, but the following is mainly intended for home and business owners:
A number of organisations publish advice on what to do following a flood, including the ECA and the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), but the rules are essentially these after the waters have subsided: ensure that the property is safe before entering, and use a torch (don’t switch the lights on). If the electricity supply is still on, switch it off at the fuse box (but only if safe to do so).
Do not go near any exposed wiring, which may be live, but check to see whether the fuse box or consumer unit shows evidence of flooding. If there are signs of arcing or overheating, householders should call a registered electrical installer.
All damaged electrical appliances should be un-plugged. Portable ones should be moved away from the area affected by flooding.
The electricity and gas supplies should not be turned back on until confirmed by professionals that it is safe to do so. Also, don't start cleaning up or carrying out repairs until you are sure it is safe to do so.
This is important too - contact your insurance company (and landlord if applicable) for advice and to get approval to carry out any repairs. Take photos of the damage and keep records.
Arrange for a periodic inspection and test to be carried out on the property. The registered electrician will issue you with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which will identify the condition of the wiring and equipment in need of repair.
All portable and fixed electrical appliances affected by the flood will need to be tested to make sure that they are safe for continued use.
Useful contacts
The ESC provides useful contact numbers:
Floodline: 0845 988 1188 (For England, Scotland & Wales)
For flood Information from local UK regions:
England: 0845 988 1188 www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Scotland: 0845 988 1188 www.sepa.org.uk/flooding
Wales: 08708 506 506 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Northern Ireland: 028 9054 0540 www.doeni.gov.uk
Fire Safety: www.facebook.com/firekills
Environment Agency emergency hotline: 0800 80 70 60
The National Flood Forum: 012 9940 3055 www.floodforum.org.uk
Association of British Insurers: 020 7600 3333 www.abi.org.uk
Electrical Safety Council: 0870 040 0561 www.esc.org.uk
Electrical Contractors Association (ECA): www.eca.co.uk
To see useful publications from the ECA and ESC, please click on the links below (PDF docs).