Water in the Electric Panel

Water and electricity are not two things you should play with together, right?  Think hair dryer and bath tub.  Unfortunately, with all of the recent rain in metro Detroit these two elements are mixing together in a very bad spot… the electric panel.  According to an article on Angie’s List by Larry Roberts of Homestar Electric there are three main problems associated with the appearance of water in the electrical panel:

corrosion- Many electrical panels will need to be replaced as the water eats away and corrodes at the electrical panel and its wires.

sticky circuit breakers-Circuit breakers with water damage will be stuck in place and won’t swing back if something requires them to shut down.  Circuit breakers should always be replaced, even if they seem fine, because the damage is usually hidden.

Water in the electrical panel can also lead to mechanical failure.

Due to the dangerous nature of water and electricity mixing and the myriad of serious problems that can result from it, it is extremely important to have a licensed electrician inspect the electrical panel right away.

If you think water has gotten into your electrical panel, make sure to contact a qualified electrician, like those at FLAME right away!  Also, it is a good idea to still keep that hair dryer away from the bath tub.  Stay safe and contact FLAME with any questions.