HANDLING DIRECT WET, FLOODED OR INDIRECT (SECONDARY) MOISTURE CONDITIONS
AFFECTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT – GEAR AND POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS:
Electrical Equipment Protocol Covering:
- Main Switch Gear
- Main Distribution
- Sub Distribution Panels
- Lighting Panels
- Equipment Power Control Panels –Relay Logic or PLC
- Disconnects- Fused and Non Fused
- Transformers
- Rectifiers
- Power Inverter
- Current Transformers and Potential Transformers
- Peripheral Devices- Motion detectors, proximity switches, lasers, sensors
- Power Generating Equipment
- Automatic and Manual Transfer Switches
- Lighting Fixtures, Switches and Receptacles
- Internally Ground Circuits
- Charging Stations
- Lighting Suppression Systems
- Back Up Batteries and UPS systems
- Main Feeds, Distribution Feeds and Branch Circuit Wiring
- Other related Electrical Equipment
When any electrical equipment has been infiltrated by water whether by flash flood or long term flooding, or has been sprayed, splashed, hosed, extinguished or has standing water in, on or around it, or housed in high humidity conditions or is sweating and or at the dew point it must be professionally assessed. Water and the accompanying contaminates carried in through the roof rain water, firefighting suppression, rising flood waters and storm surge can cause immediate fire, explosion and shorting resulting in upstream and downstream damages to other system components, cabling and wiring as well as other equipment installed or electrically attached equipment. Left untreated and to dry slowly causes oxidation of the contaminates present resulting in corrosion of base metals.
According to NEMA – the National Electrical Manufactures Association Publication certain electrical gear can be restored/refurbished and certain components require replacement. Inspection and pretesting can determine the conditions. UL and FM guldens also dictate how to approach these conditions. However specific mitigation and emergency services steps must be taken to preserve this equipment. Finally after proper emergency and restoration/refurbishment is components then final acceptance testing according to NETA standards allows an OEM to recertify their equipment. Electrical powered gear, components and distribution equipment can be deemed safe as of a specific point in time. Building wiring can also be tested using Insulation Resistance Testing to NETA standards ensuring the building compotes and combined systems are safe.
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