What to Do If Your Circuit Panel Got Wet in St. Louis

If your circuit panel got wet you must act fast and carefully: shut off the main breaker, keep clear to avoid shocks, remove water without turning power back on, then call a licensed electrician to inspect, test, and repair or replace components. Never touch a wet panel while power is on and wait until a pro gives the all-clear.

 

Ensure Your Immediate Safety by Shutting Off the Main Breaker

 

In any home, especially in a place like St Louis or Nashville, water near electricity creates a high risk of electric shock. The main breaker is a large switch usually at the top of your circuit panel. Flipping it to OFF stops the flow of electricity to all circuits in your house. You should:

• Locate the panel cover and open it slowly.
• Find the large switch or lever marked “Main.”
• Firmly push it to the OFF position so no electricity flows.

Always stand on a dry, non-conductive surface (like a rubber mat) while doing this.

 

Remove Moisture Without Restoring Power

 

Water trapped in the panel can hide corrosion or cause short circuits. To gently dry it:

• Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to stay protected.
• Use absorbent towels or lint-free cloths—never paper towels that can leave scraps.
• Blot visible water pools and wipe down interior walls of the panel.
• Avoid using a hair dryer or heat gun—excessive heat can damage wires or insulation.

Let air flow into the panel by opening interior room windows or using a small fan directed at the panel door.

 

Inspect for Corrosion, Rust, and Damaged Parts

 

Even after the panel appears dry, water can leave mineral deposits or start rusting metal parts. Inside the panel, look for:

• Brownish or greenish powder on terminals—this is corrosion.
• Discoloration on wires or breakers—sign of overheating or moisture damage.
• Loose or broken screws and clips that hold breakers in place.

If you see any damage, do not touch or try to fix these parts yourself. Moving broken components without proper tools can worsen the damage.

 

Call a Licensed Electrician for a Professional Evaluation

 

A licensed electrician has the training to test insulation resistance, measure voltage levels, and spot hidden dangers. When you call, describe:

• How much water got into the panel (e.g., flood, roof leak, spilled liquid).
• Whether the panel tripped or you saw sparks.
• Any strange smells like burning plastic or insulation.

The technician will likely use a moisture meter and a megohmmeter (an instrument that tests if insulation resists electrical current) to ensure it is safe to turn circuits back on.

 

Plan for Repair or Full Panel Replacement

 

If your panel shows signs of corrosion, the electrician may recommend:

• Replacing individual breakers if only a few are damaged.
• Cleaning and tightening terminal connections to restore safe contact.
• Installing a brand-new panel if the enclosure or bus bars are compromised.

A full replacement involves removing the old panel, installing a new enclosure, breakers, and wiring. This ensures long-term safety and compliance with current electrical codes.

 

Prevent Future Water Intrusion and Protect Your System

 

Once your panel is safe and functional, take steps to stop water from returning:

• Install a drip loop or watertight seal around any cables that pass through walls.
• Use a panel cover gasket or a waterproof enclosure if the panel is in a damp location like a basement.
• Maintain proper drainage and slope around your home’s foundation to direct water away.
• Inspect your roof, gutters, and plumbing regularly to avoid leaks near the panel.

Keeping the panel area dry not only protects your home from outages but also extends the life of your electrical system.