Water damaged electrical panels can be a huge safety hazard. If you have experienced water damage in your home, it is important to have your electrical panel inspected by a professional to make sure that it is safe to use. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of water damaged electrical panels and what you need to do if yours has been damaged.

How Water Can Get Into Your Panel

Water can get into your electrical panel in a few different ways. First, if there is flooding in your home, the water can rise up and enter the panel from the bottom. Additionally, if there is a leak in your roof or walls, the water can seep down and enter the panel from the top. Finally, if you have an older home, the water can enter through cracks and holes in the panel. If you have experienced any water damage in your home, it is important to have your electrical panel inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

How to Know if Your Electrical Panel has Water Damage

There are a few signs that you can look for to see if your electrical panel has water damage. You may notice rust or corrosion on the panel.  You may see water stains on the panel or around the area where it is located. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your panel inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

The Dangers of Corrosion in your Electric Panel

Corrosion is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to your electrical panel. When corrosion occurs, it can cause shorts and other problems. Additionally, corrosion can eat away at the insulation on the wires, which can create a fire hazard.

How Corrosion Causes Electrical Shorts

Corrosion can cause electrical shorts in two ways. First, it can corrode the wires themselves. This can create a conductive path between the live wire and the ground, which can cause a short circuit. Additionally, corrosion can eat away at the insulation on the wires. When this happens, the bare wire is exposed and is able to touch other parts of the electrical system, which can also cause a short. If you have noticed any corrosion on your electrical panel, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

If you have a water damaged electrical panel, there are several things that you need to do in order to keep your family safe.

What to Do if You Have Water Damage in Your Electrical Panel

If you have a water damaged electrical panel, there are several things that you need to do in order to keep your family safe.

  1. First, you should turn off the power to the panel.
  2. Next, you will need to dry out the area around the panel to prevent further damage.
  3. Finally, you should call a professional to inspect the panel and make any necessary repairs.

Water damaged electrical panels can be a serious safety hazard. If you have experienced any water damage in your home, or suspect that your electrical panel has water damage, contact OHM Electrical Contracting today. We can assess your panel and advise on the best path forward.