Flood safety: What to do with submerged appliances and electrical outlets

As the country continues to experience an intensified southwest monsoon (habagat), the public is reminded to exercise common sense and presence of mind when dealing with electrical appliances and outlets exposed to floodwater.

On Thursday’s “Unang Hirit” episode, engineer Robert Magulay, National President of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., said that “common sense” applies to the practical judgment to every situation, wile “presence of mind” means staying calm and making quick, effective decisions during an emergency.

What to do after flooding?

According to Magulay, the first thing homeowners should determine is how far the floodwater has reached. Check whether electrical outlets have been submerged or whether appliances have become wet.

“If the water has reached the outlets or the appliances have become wet, the first target is to switch off the main breaker that controls everything,” Magulay said in Filipino.

However, Magulay reminded homeowners to never attempt to reach the breaker if the area is already wet and instead call your electricity provider for assistance.

“It’s susceptible for electrocution, so don’t force it,” he said.

Let wet electrical equipment dry

If electrical equipment has become wet, it should not immediately be turned on. Magulay recommends allowing equipment to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.

However, simply waiting for an appliance to appear dry may not be enough, as moisture can remain inside electrical components where it cannot be seen.

“The best way really is to have it checked with a technician,” Magulay said.

On refrigerators

Floodwater can cause serious damage to refrigerators, particularly if the appliance has been completely submerged.

“If it is totally submerged in water, it will really be damaged, so the chances of repair are lower,” Magulay said, advising homeowners to have the appliance checked by an expert before attempting to use it.

Even if only part of the refrigerator is submerged, there is still a risk of damage because the compressor is located at the bottom of the unit.

“If it is only partially submerged, if you notice, the compressor is at the bottom, so that is also a risk because it could get moisture,” he said. “it will not function the same way.”

On televisions

Televisions also require particular caution because water can damage several components inside the unit.

“If the TV is fully submerged, we are not only looking at the power supply. We also have the motherboard, power board, semiconductors and resistors,” Magulay said.

“Even if it dries, the chances of repair are lower,” he said.

On electric fans

Electric fans may have a better chance of being salvaged, depending on which parts were exposed to floodwater.

“If you look at it, it has a stand. What we need to check is the cord if it was submerged, and of course, the motor of the fan is at the top,” Magulay said.

“If the motor did not get wet, there is a good chance that it will be okay,” he added.

With rain and flooding potentially continuing, Magulay advises homeowners to elevate electrical appliances as much as possible and avoid using unnecessary equipment. —JCB, GMA News