We hope everyone's properties have stayed safe and dry after the unprecedented flooding we all experienced over the weekend. We have been inundated with calls and emails for the assessment of flood-damaged electrical systems and our electricians are on-call to do onsite assessments and the necessary remedial work.
Hazards - Be aware of damaged electricity supplies
Electricity
Turn off all switches at the main electrical switchboard, including the Main Switch.
Unplug all your appliances and if you can, lift them up so they will remain clear of any floodwater that may inundate your property.
If damaged, to prevent future use follow lock out and tag-out procedures (Amplify can assist here)
Solar
Turn your solar system off at the inverter and then turn off at the switchboard (all switches on the switchboard should be in the OFF position). The solar system will have information on shut down procedures.
Batteries
Turn solar batteries off. Follow the shutdown procedure which will be close to battery system.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery or open any of the panels.
Other considerations
Damaged gas and electricity appliances are another hazard. They must be avoided until declared safe.
Use battery-operated torches instead of candles. Open flames could be dangerous if gas has collected inside a building.
Storms and floods can bury, move, or damage hazardous substance containers including paints, pesticides, cleaners, and fuels. They come in various forms – powders, solids, liquids, and gases
Ensure children are well supervised and away from areas where work is going on.
Residential & Commercial - Electri Check
Amplify Electrical can complete an 'Electri Check' of your flood-damaged property. This report can only be carried out by a member of Master Electricians - The Electrical Contractors Association of NZ), of which Amplify Electrical is a proud member.
A full check may include a rating of the following, with remedial comments:
Mains cable
Mains earth
Switchboard
Hot water system
Range - condition of cable and bonding/earthing
House, including light switches, fittings, ceiling insulation and downlights, metal fittings earth, switch-sockets, polarity, condition of cable, pipe insulation
Appliances - tested at time of visit and an electrical test/tag is issued (if able)
Electrical fittings in damp areas have correct IP rating appropriate for the zone
Overhead lines and their entry points
Safety distance clearances of overhead lines
Laundry, garage, other areas
This check will only apply to readily visible wiring and other apparatus. This report shall not apply to parts of the installation which are located in walls, under floorboards or underground. Amplify can assist here for badly damaged properties where water damage behind walls, etc is visible - we can assist with a quote here for remedial work.
This report is intended to be used as an indicator of the general condition of the electrical installation although does not include any electrical testing. AS/NZ 3019 - Section 3 Verification by basic visual inspection, may be used in conjunction with this report.
For Insurance Purposes
Should your insurance company require it, we can provide the necessary paperwork, quote for remedial work, and coms where applicable for your insurance company.
Comments