When water damage strikes, electrical equipment requires meticulous evaluation to ensure safety and functionality. This guide, based on NEMA standards, outlines the critical steps and considerations for evaluating various types of water-damaged electrical equipment.
Key Steps and Standards for Evaluation:
- Electrical Distribution Equipment:
- Components to Replace: Molded-case circuit breakers, low-voltage fuses, switches, mylar-wrapped busway.
- Reconditioning: Consult manufacturer for specific guidance on powder-coated busways, panelboards, switchboards
- Standards Reference: NEMA KS 3-2010, NEMA BU 1.1-2000, NEMA PB 1.1-2013, and NEMA PB 2.1-2013.
- Motor Control Equipment:
- Components to Replace: Adjustable speed drives, semiconductors, transistors, solid-state contactors, starters, overload relays.
- Reconditioning: Follow manufacturer’s advice for specific guidance on manual and magnetic controllers.
- Standards Reference: Refer to Section 4.2 in the NEMA guide.
- Power Equipment:
- Components to Replace: Electronic trip units of low-voltage power circuit breakers and medium-voltage fuses.
- Reconditioning: Essential to consult with the manufacturer for specific guidance on high/medium-voltage circuit breakers, low-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage switchgear.
- Standards Reference: Specific to each equipment type (Section 4.3).
- Transformers:
- Components to Replace: All dry-type transformers, control circuit transformers, liquid-filled transformers.
- Reconditioning: Analysis of the insulating medium required for evaluation of liquid-filled transformers.
- Standards Reference: Refer to Section 4.4.
- Conduit, Tubing, Fittings, Outlet Boxes, and Junction Boxes:
- Components to Replace: Fittings, outlet and junction boxes, conduit and tubing.
- Standards Reference: NEMA FB 1-2007(R2010), NEMA OS 1-2008 (R2010), NEMA OS 2-2008.
- Wire, Cable, and Flexible Cords:
- Components to Replace: Wire or cable listed for dry locations.
- Reconditioning: Wire or cable suitable for wet locations (if ends are not exposed to water)
- Standards Reference: Section 4.6 in the guide.
- AFCIs, GFCIs, Surge Protective Devices, and Wiring Devices:
- Components to Replace: All of these devices must be replaced if water-damaged.
- Standards Reference: Refer to Section 4.7.
- Other Devices:
- Components to Replace: Batteries, cable tray, fire pump controllers, luminaires, ballasts, LED drivers, motors, signaling, protection, and communication systems, UPS systems.
- Standards Reference: NEMA ICS 15-2011, ANSI/IEEE 43-2013 A2 and A3, ANSI/EASA AR100.
Conclusion: Evaluating water-damaged electrical equipment is a complex process that requires strict adherence to NEMA guidelines and manufacturer instructions. Safety should always be the top priority, and when in doubt, consult a professional. Allied Emergency Services, INC provides expertise in dealing with water-damaged electrical systems, ensuring your property is safely restored.
For more personalized guidance, consult with engineers and local building codes specific to your location. For immediate service or consultation, you may contact us at Allied Emergency Services, INC.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-800-792-0212
- Email: Info@AlliedEmergencyServices.com
- Location: Serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana with a focus on the greater Chicago area.
If you require immediate assistance or have specific questions, our human support is readily available to help you.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is based on NEMA standards, which are subject to updates. Always consult the latest guidelines and seek professional advice for specific situations.
