Title:Electrical Systems and Appliances:  Damaged Wiring and Switches
Author:Virginia Peart
Date: 1992


Electrical Systems and Appliances:  Damaged Wiring and Switches
Virginia Peart

     You may be able to repair flood-damaged electric wiring and
switches yourself if you take certain precautions.  Follow these
steps before attempting your own repair.

 1.  Disconnect the main switch and any switches which control
     pumps and out buildings.

 2.  Stand on a dry board when turning off any switch or pull the
     handle with a dry stick.

 3.  Remove all branch circuit fuses so no one can reconnect the
     electricity while you are working on equipment and wiring.
     Wear rubber gloves because  electrical leakage may be
     present if the switch box is filled with mud or debris.

 4.  Clean dirt and debris from load center panels and all
     switch, outlet and junction boxes.  And leave them open to
     dry out.  Stand on a dry surface and use a plastic-handled
     scraper to clean around "hot" wires.

 5.  Allow the entire wiring system to dry out, uncovering all
     possible openings to hasten drying.

 6.  To clean rigid conduit wiring in farm shop or dairy
     buildings, cut the wires and pull them out.  Blow or suck
     air through the conduit to dry it out.

 7.  When the entire system is dry, have an electrician check it
     for leakage and grounds.

 8.  After all of these precautions have been taken, it should be
     safe to check the wiring by following these steps:

      a.  First, replace the main fuses and close the main
          switch.  If there is current leakage, the switch needs
          further repair or replacement.

      b.  If there is no evidence of leakage, insert a fuse in
          one of the branch circuits and close the main switch.
          Additional repair is necessary if the fuse blows or if
          there is any sign of smoking or heating.

      c.  After all circuits have been repaired and checked one
          at a time, insert all branch fuses.