This one needs a licensed pro
Stop: water on the circuit
Water and electricity together are a shock hazard. Keep the breaker off and have a licensed electrician check it before power goes back on.
Why this happens
ESFI says never to touch a breaker or fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface, and to keep power off after flooding until an electrician has inspected the system. CDC adds that power should not go back on until the equipment is inspected and completely dry.
What to do right now
- Do not touch the panel, outlets or cords if you or they are wet, or if you are standing in water.
- If you can reach the panel while dry and standing on a dry floor, leave that breaker OFF.
- If the house flooded or water reached the panel, do not touch it at all. Call a licensed electrician. If water is near the meter or service equipment outside, stay away and call your utility; CPSC says not to touch service equipment.
- Do not use wet appliances until an electrician says they are safe.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- Where the water came from and what it reached: outlets, cords, the panel.
- Which breaker trips and whether it was before or after the water.
- Whether the house flooded.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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