Threshold markers:

• Water level is less than 12 inches above the finished floor level
• Minor electrical components and limited wiring are inundated but remain below normal receptacle height

Common damage:

• If the main electrical power source is located in the basement, the panel will need to be replaced
• All outlets (receptacles, switches, and lights) located in the basement should be replaced
• All receptacles, switches, and outlets located above the flood high-water mark can be left in place and reused

Electrical damage is a special concern in the wake of flooding events or in any scenario where water has infiltrated the house and potentially made contact with electrical systems, including outlets, wiring, and circuit breakers. Even a small inundation level of salt water (only a few inches) can create a much higher percentage of damage due to the corrosive effect of the salt water on the components, especially when the salt water wicks up into the electrical system. However, all flood water may contain contaminants that can degrade electrical components including, but not limited to, sediment and chemicals.

In a home that is only damaged in the 0% to 25% range, there may be some impacts to minor electrical components or wiring, but most will not have been affected. This is often due to rainwater infiltration where small amounts of water impact only certain parts of the system.