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Water in a panel or flooded equipment.

A licensed electrician should inspect premises wiring, and the utility or emergency services should de-energize it.

Customers put it like this

  • water is dripping into the panel
  • the basement flooded up to the panel
  • the breakers look rusty
  • the outlets were under water
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Stop first if

  • Water touches anything energized, or standing water is near the panel.Stay out of the water. Have the utility or emergency services de-energize it.
  • Equipment has been under water.Keep it off. No starting or resetting before cleaning, drying and inspection.
  • Water is dripping into a live panel.Keep clear, then call the utility and a licensed electrician.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Is water touching anything right now, and is anyone standing in it?
  2. How high did the water reach on the panel or equipment?
  3. Is this a one-time flood, or rust and staining that built up slowly?
  4. Are there pipes or vents above the panel?
  5. Has anything been reset or restarted since the water came in?
02

Bring

5
  • Moisture meter
  • Rated multimeter
  • Insulation-resistance tester
  • Flashlight
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

6
  1. From a dry spot, establish whether and how high water reached equipment.
  2. After submersion, a licensed electrician inspects premises wiring before anything is re-energized.
  3. Follow stains from the top of the panel back through cable entry, drip loop, weatherhead and seals.
  4. Look for pipes or vents above, and condensation on exterior-wall enclosures.
  5. Note corrosion across a damp room, and cord wicking at pumps and float switches.
  6. Plan to close the water path before any panel replacement.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Waterline height on equipment
  • Photos of staining from panel top to entry
  • What was reset or restarted
  • Flooded devices marked for replacement

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.