Electrical safety during flooding
During storms with heavy rain, water often penetrates buildings. What does that mean for electrical safety? And what if the house has a photovoltaic system?
Not only during floods, but also during heavy rainfall and saturated soils, it is almost impossible to avoid buildings and infrastructure being affected. But burst water pipes can also flood rooms. Experts therefore warn that extreme caution is required if electrical equipment is located in such rooms. This is because these systems and equipment - for example, house junction boxes, main distribution boards and meter systems - pose a danger to people and animals. There could be danger to life in the vicinity of flooded electrical installations.
If the water has damaged the electrical installation, the case is clear: it may only(!) be checked and repaired by a specialist company.
Dealing with a PV system in the event of flooding
Anyone who generates electricity with a photovoltaic system should be particularly careful after a water ingress in the building, writes the Elektro+ initiative. "As long as electricity is generated via the system on the roof and the inverter and the connection to the power grid are located in flooded areas of the building, there is a risk of electric shock. Therefore, the flooded areas must not be entered. PV systems should therefore always be taken out of operation, tested and then put back into operation by a qualified electrician," states the information sheet "Electrical safety in the event of flooding".
The Elektro+ initiative has published information on what exactly needs to be considered with regard to electrical safety after a flood. two information sheets compiled.
Other topics:
Those who build and renovate plan for natural hazards
And finally, 10 tips for proper behavior during floods: 10_tips_flood
