June 30, 2011
As a result of the flooding in the State of North Dakota, the North Dakota State Electrical Board cautions North Dakotans when dealing with water-damaged electrical equipment and wants to emphasize the importance of re-energizing electrical wiring and equipment exposed to flood damage. Electrical wiring and equipment exposed to flood waters can be extremely dangerous and needs to be replaced or reconditioned. Although it may not be apparent, the electrical system and its components may have been severely impaired jeopardizing the safe electrical wiring system due to contaminations and sediment lodged in the equipment along with the corrosive action that will develop.
In order to assure safety to life and property, the North Dakota State Electrical Board is requiring all water-damaged electrical equipment to be replaced or reconditioned by a North Dakota licensed electrical contractor and be inspected by the authority having jurisdiction. This will assure the installation is safe to energize before the power company should furnish power. Once again, it will mitigate hazard and prevent losses of life and property as a result of water-damaged electrical equipment.
Please refer to: The attached flowchart and North Dakota Laws, Rules & Wiring Standards Article 24-02-01-10.1. Water-damaged electrical equipment requires that:
Electrical wiring and equipment exposed to water damage shall comply with the following:
1. All breaker panel boards, breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, controllers, receptacles, switches, light fixtures, and electric heaters that have been submerged or exposed to water damage shall be replaced or all electrical equipment, switchgear, motor control centers, boilers and boiler controls, electric motors, transformers, and other similar equipment such as appliances, water heaters, dishwashers, ovens, and ranges that have been submerged shall be reconditioned by the original manufacturer or by is approved representative or replaced.
2. Electrical wiring may require replacement depending on the type of wire or cable and what application it was listed for.
3. Splices and terminations shall be checked to make sure they comply with article 110.14, 2008 edition, National Electrical Code.
Also see “Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment” published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). A copy can be obtained by going to NEMA’s website at http://www.nema.org/stds/water-damaged.cfm#download.
Your cooperation will be appreciated. If you have any questions about your electrical system, call your local electrical contractor, a city or state electrical inspector, or the North Dakota State Electrical Board office at (701) 328-9522.