ELECTRICAL WIRING AND EQUIPMENT AFFECTED BY
FLOOD WATERS WITHIN HOMES
In accordance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Southwire,
The National Electrical Code NFPA 72, and National Electrical
Manufactures Association (NEMA), the following direction regarding
flood affected electrical wiring and equipment is provided.
Metal jacketed and cloth type “Romex” wiring within homes that have incurred flood
waters exceeding the height of interior electrical wiring must be replaced to ensure proper
wiring characteristics and to avoid future electrical problems as a result of saltwater.
Newer Romex (plastic outer jacket) NM-B wiring within homes that have incurred flood
waters exceeding the height of interior electrical wiring where water has penetrated in to
the “Outer Jacket” of the Romex wire must be replaced to ensure proper wiring
characteristics and to avoid future electrical problems as a result of saltwater.
Large electric cable which supplies other electric panels in your home (other service
cable SER / SEU) must also be replaced if submerged or water has entered through a
splice point.
Other items that must be replaced or inspected as a result of submersion:
 Receptacles
 Metal boxes
 splice boxes
 Light fixtures (check your crawl spaces and lower floors)
 Electric panels and utility meter sockets
 Service cable (SER / SEU) follow same guideline for Romex NM-B.
 Electronics such as Security Panels, Home Entertainment equipment,
Thermostats.
 Also consider other appliances such as dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer,
dryer, refrigerator, freezer, heating and air condition equipment.
If you are unsure of the wiring in your home, contact a licensed electrical
contractor.
If you electric service or meter has been affected by flood water keep your “Main
Disconnect” in the “OFF” position and all other “Circuit Breakers” in the “OFF”
position.
Thank you,
Don Clare
Borough of Monmouth Beach
Construciton Official / Flood Plain Administrator / Electric Subcode
732-229-2204 ext 112
Donclare07750@comcast.net