Title:Electrical Systems and Appliances:  Cleaning and Odor Removal
Author: Virginia Peart
Date: 1992


Electrical Systems and Appliances:  Cleaning and Odor Removal
Virginia Peart

CLEANING OF APPLIANCES

Electrical Circuits and Equipment
     The whole electrical system should be checked for short
circuits by an electrician or competent person, before being
turned on.  Ask your power supplier for advice and help with
electrical systems.

     Things to do before the electrician arrives:

1.   Be sure electricity is shut off at both the meter and in the
     buildings.

2.   Remove covers from all switches, convenience outlets, light
     outlets and junction boxes that have been under water.

3.   If the box is filled with mud, remove screws holding
     receptacle or switch in box.  Pull receptacle, switch and
     wires in junction boxes out about two inches from box.
     Clean out all mud and dirt from box and receptacle switch.
     Do not remove electrical connections.  Leave boxes open.

4.   Remove all fuses and cover from entrance panel.  Clean out
     all mud.  Wires can be moved, but Do Not Disconnect.

     After above has been done and wiring has a chance to dry,
the electrician can check the system without delay.

     For some equipment such as pumps, a temporary line can be
installed by an electrician until the permanent wiring has a
chance to dry.


                           Appliances

     Here are some general rules to follow:

1.   Motorized appliances:  Remove the electric motor and take it
     to an electrical repair shop.  The controls (thermostat,
     pressure switches, wiring, etc.) will have to be cleaned and
     dried.  Insulation should be dried and all dirt removed.
     Sealed units on refrigerators and freezers should not be
     harmed by water.  Clean up unit and recondition controls.

2.   Heating appliances:  Disconnect and flush with clean water.
     Float out water with carbon tetrachloride.  (Be careful of
     carbon tetrachloride fumes -- they are dangerous if inhaled.
     Do the job in open air and do not smoke.)  The insulation on
     hot water heaters will be soaked.  Remove all panels and, if
     possible, the top of the heater.  This will give the
     insulation a chance to dry.  Clean and dry thermostat and
     wiring.  Apply rust inhibitor to all metal parts.

3.   Lamps and Lights:  Remove fixtures that were submerged.
     Clean outlet boxes and wiring.  Clean fixture and dry out
     wiring.  Check socket for dirt.  Floor or table lamps should
     be completely disassembled and cleaned.  Clean up wiring,
     sockets and switches.  If a switch cannot be opened for
     cleaning, replace with a new switch.  Unless the cord is in
     good shape, replace it.  Check the plug.

4.   Extension Cords:  Any cords not in excellent condition
     should be thrown away.  Fabric covered cords should be
     replaced.  Rubber covered cords in good condition (no cracks
     in rubber, etc.) can probably be reclaimed.  Remove
     connections from both ends.  Peel back the rubber covering
     until inside braid is dry.  Cut off damaged part of cord.
     Clean up the plug and receptacle and connect to cord or
     replace with new ones.

5.   Grounding:  For your protection, all metallic appliances
     should be grounded when in use to prevent an electrical
     shock.  This applies especially to such  appliances as
     washers, dryers, ranges, waffle irons, etc., and to
     equipment such as portable drills, saws and grinders.
     Attach a wire from the frame of the appliance to water pipe
     or to the ground wire in a grounded wiring system.