Disaster Recovery

Storms can be devastating to a community and the aftermath can be even more challenging. However, it is an opportunity to renovate and upgrade structures with newer electrical equipment. It may also be an opportunity to upgrade your main power source with renewable energy such as solar.

The Importance of Rebuilding and Renovating Safely 

Power Outage

Power outages can lead to more than just your lights going out. Forcing sensitive electronics to shutdown unexpectedly can result in data loss or damage to electrical systems. When power returns, a surge can damage TVs, appliances, and even heating and AC systems. Power outages can be impossible to predict, so be sure to prepare your home for power outages with the following devices.

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Prepare Your Business and Recover From a Natural Disaster

Not all electricians are the same. All electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician, who:

  • Have 4-5 years of on the job training
  • Is trained and up-to-date on your state's electrical code
  • Is licensed, insured, and bonded in your state
  • Purchase from reputable retailers and distributors
  • Stand behind their work
  • Can be reached by multiple methods
  • Do safe work
  • Leave a paper train and pull required permits
  • Provide the most energy-efficient solutions

Locate qualified electricians at the National Electrical Contractors Association or Independent Electrical Contractors. 

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How to Avoid Counterfeits

How to Avoid Counterfeits The Importance of Rebuilding and Renovating Safely

Using qualified electricians and purchasing from reputable distributors and retailers gives you: safety, security, and the backing of the Manufacturer.

Purchasing Counterfeits Has Consequences:
Counterfeits:

  • Have low-quality components
  • Are unregulated and untested
  • Unsafe and not backed by a manufacturer warranty 
  • Could lead to identity theft if purchased from a non-reputable vendor

Counterfeit's Unintentional Consequences

  • $1.38 billion of counterfeits are seized yearly 
  • 87% of counterfeits originate in China and Hong Kong
  • 1/3 of website hosting pirated or counterfeit goods contain malware according to the office of U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator
  • 750,000 American jobs are lost every year due to counterfeiting 

How to Avoid Counterfeits

  • Only purchase from trusted sources
  • Only purchase items have been tested or marked by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory 
  • Check electrical manufacturers websites to find authorized retailers and distributors
  • Products and packing with typos or misspellings have a light likelihood of being counterfeit
  • Only use licensed, insured, and bonded contractors that will stand behind their work

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Water Damaged Electrical Equipment

Water Damaged Electrical Equipment The Importance of Rebuilding and Renovating Safely

Water and electricity do not mix. Follow this guide to quickly see what equipment must be replaced and which electronics may be reconditioned. Any water-damaged equipment even if thoroughly dried will pose serious long-term safety and fire risk if not properly reconditioned.

ESFI recommends that the evaluation of water-damaged electrical equipment be conducted by qualified electricians. Floodwaters contaminated with chemicals, sewage, oil, and other debris can affect the integrity and performance of electrical equipment. Ocean water and salt spray can be particularly damaging due to the corrosive and conductive nature of the saltwater residue. Returning power to water-damaged electrical devices or equipment without a proper evaluation could result in an electrical fire, shock, electrocution, or further damage to your device.

Water damaged equipment that must be replaced: 

  • Arc-Fault and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
  • Batteries
  • Lightning, ballasts, and LED Drivers
  • Low and Medium Voltage Fuses
  • Molded-Case Circuit Breakers
  • Outlet and Junction Boxes
  • Receptacles
  • Signaling, Protection, and Communications Systemes
  • Surge Protective Devices
  • Switches and Dimmers
  • Transformers
  • Uninterruptible Power Supply
  • Wire or Cable (for dry areas)

Water damaged equipment that may be reconditioned:

  • High Voltage AC Circuit Breakers
  • Low and Medium Voltage Switchgear
  • Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers
  • Motors
  • Panelboards
  • Switchboards
  • Wire or Cable (for wet areas that have not been damaged/ends not exposed)

ESFI has teamed with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (www.nema.org) to provide a detailed explanation of what electrical components can be reconditioned and which need to be replaced.

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