Prevent Loss Of Production And Protect Your Electrical Equipment
Other than a fire accident or an explosion, a flood is a disastrous happening that can ruin the condition of your facility and severely affect the downtime of your structure. Why? We already know water can ruin everything that comes along its way and flooding can negatively affect the manufacturing output of your business structure. Ultimately, you may experience a heavy loss of time and resources.
There are other hazards that a flood brings too. There will be an increased risk of electrical shocks, fire accidents and also post-flood structural damage. So, how can you combat all this? We have curated some steps you can take to effectively handle electrical safety in the event of a flood.
What To Do Before Entering A Flood-Damaged Industrial Facility?
Before you enter a facility or a building that has been affected by a flood, do not forget that most of the appliances have been submerged or have come into contact with water and you are entering dangerous territory. You will witness a lot of structural damage to your industrial or manufacturing unit. Before being used, make sure you check the condition of stairs, floors, roofs and overheads.
Inspecting Your Electrical Equipment Damaged By The Flood
Remember that since most of the electrical equipment has come in contact with water, the location where they are present will have potential risk factors. Hence, coming in contact with any water located there could turn to be fatal. Why? Well, because electricity may still be flowing to your electrical equipment which is now wet with water. So, before making any move, make sure that the complete power supply has been cut from your electrical equipment. That will reduce potential risk factors.
A lot of equipment and devices like transformers, distribution panels, or a simple GFCI receptacle may have come in contact with water. Therefore, before you turn them on, make sure that they are inspected and examined by a certified electrical professional. Do not try doing anything if you are doubtful about the condition of your flood-damaged electrical equipment. Reach out to your manufacturer and ask for guidance.
What Electrical Equipment Is Unsafe For Reconditioning?
Whether electrical components can be replaced or not is dependant on the manufacturer of those parts. Often, some parts can be replaced while others can be reconditioned. According to the guidelines outlined by NEMA, the following electrical equipment are a few which can be replaced and not reconditioned:
- Molded Case Circuit Breakers
- Switches
- Fuses
- Transformers
- Starters
- Electrical Components consisting of semiconductors and transistors
- Outlet and Junction Boxes
- Wires or cables rated for dry locations
What Electrical Equipment Is Safe to Recondition?
The following are the names of a few electrical devices that are safe to recondition. In case of a flood, they do not need a replacement. These must always be tested after reconditioning to ensure the insulators are still good.
- Panelboard Interiors
- Switchboards Interiors
- Manual and Magnetic Controllers
- Motor Control Centers
- Conduit and Tubing
Please note if any equipment has had brackish or salt water it should not be re-used. Insulators, electrical barriers, copper and aluminium bus can all corrode and break down with salt being absorbed into it.
Electrical Safety After a Flood – Motor Starters And Transfer Switches
Motor control equipment such as the motor starters have to be replaced in the event of a flood. Why? Motor control equipment consists of both control and circuit protection such as molded case circuit breakers. These elements or components are integrated with support structures, bus work and wiring. Because of this protective feature, this piece of equipment should always be replaced and never reconditioned. However, devices like manual transfer switches and automatic transfer switches can cause intense damage to the electrical equipment in the facility when they come in contact with floodwaters and get corroded. Why? Because these devices are responsible for the flow of electricity in your facility. Hence, you may witness that the electrical interruption capabilities of your electrical equipment have significantly degraded. Spike offers quick-ship faster delivery transfer switches and replacement motor control equipment to help assist you with getting your facility back up and running.
NEMA Ratings
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, or NEMA as we call it, has outlined efficient industry standards which will help to maintain safety during a disastrous flood. For further information about NEMA ratings and standards, reach out to us.
A Little About Spike Electric
Spike Electric has a dedicated team of technical experts and engineers who have prolonged expertise in designing and building customized electrical solutions for several businesses. We work in close association with our clients to ensure that you receive the perfect products and solutions for all of your applications. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products!
Written by: Cole Attaway
Cole Attaway is the founder and CEO of Spike Electric Controls. Spike's mission is to improve the accessibility and delivery of industrial electrical gear for clients nationwide. Spike solutions result in reduced unplanned downtime, less overtime, and greater operational efficiencies.
