Threshold markers:

• Water level is between 12 inches and 18 inches above the finished floor level
• A significant number of wiring components and limited wiring are inundated, floodwaters above the normal receptacle height

Common damage:

• Modern Romex wiring that is inundated only for short durations (without wetting the ends/joints/terminations) can be dried and reused
• Older nonmetallic cable (with impregnated braided sheathings) should be replaced when wetted
• When chemical contaminants are suspected in the floodwaters, all inundated electrical wiring and components will require replacement

When floodwaters rise above the receptacles and outlets, homes will likely be in the 25% to 50% damaged level to the electrical system. Since most standard outlets are at 18 inches, this is the typical flood level to be on the lookout for when analyzing a structure to determine if outlets have been impacted.