Safety, awareness, and proper procedure following flood-related electrical damage in Texas
After recent flooding across many parts of Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued an important reminder to all electrical contractors, journeyman electricians, and their teams: take extreme caution when dealing with electrical systems that may have been exposed to water.
Floodwaters don’t just damage structures, they pose serious electrical hazards. Whether you’re repairing service panels, breakers, HVAC systems, or any other part of a home or building’s electrical system, it’s critical to understand that water exposure can cause both immediate dangers and long-term reliability issues.
Don’t Assume Equipment Can Be Reused
Water-damaged electrical equipment may not show visible signs of malfunction, but the internal components can be severely compromised. Corrosion, insulation breakdown, or residue inside the equipment can lead to dangerous failures down the road. Energizing compromised equipment not only endangers the building’s occupants but also puts electricians at risk of shock, fire, or worse.
TDLR urges contractors not to take shortcuts when inspecting or deciding whether to reuse electrical equipment after flooding. Proper evaluation must be completed before any attempt is made to re-energize systems.
Use the Official Guide for Evaluating Water Damage
To support this effort, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has prepared a helpful, detailed guide titled Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment. This guide offers manufacturer-based recommendations on how to inspect and determine the status of specific types of electrical components, including:
- Circuit breakers and switchgear
- Cables and wire insulation
- Panelboards and transformers
- HVAC controls and equipment
- Electronic devices and programmable systems
You can download and review the NEMA guide directly at this link provided by TDLR: 👉 Download the NEMA Water-Damage Evaluation Guide (PDF)
Protect Yourself, Your Clients, and Your License
Evaluating electrical equipment properly isn’t just a safety recommendation; it’s a matter of professional responsibility and compliance. Replacing damaged equipment can be expensive, but it’s far more costly to risk human lives or face liability for improper repairs.
TDLR emphasizes that contractors should document inspections, communicate risks to property owners, and avoid reusing any equipment unless the manufacturer and the NEMA guidelines clearly deem it safe to do so.
Final Reminder
If you or your team are performing electrical work in a flood-affected area, take the time to read the NEMA guide thoroughly. Stay updated with all TDLR advisories and keep electrical safety at the forefront of your work.
Doing the job right the first time doesn’t just protect the property, it protects your reputation, your license, and most importantly, lives.
