What to Do If Your Electrical Panel Is Wet After Flooding in St. Louis

If your electrical panel gets wet after flooding, immediately turn off the main power at your meter or main breaker, stay away from the panel, and call a licensed electrician to inspect, dry, and repair it before restoring electricity.

Electricity and water don’t mix—powering a wet panel risks shock, fire, or damage to your home’s electrical system. A qualified professional will safely evaluate the situation, replace damaged components, test all circuits, and ensure everything meets local codes before turning the power back on.

 

Safety First: Shut Off Power and Keep Your Distance

 

Working around a wet electrical panel can be deadly. Follow these steps to protect yourself and others:

• Locate your main power shutoff. This is usually at the meter box or just above the panel. Flip it to the “off” position.
• Keep everyone, especially children and pets, away from the panel area until it is declared safe.
• Do not touch the panel, breakers, or any exposed wires. Even a small amount of moisture can conduct electricity.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt Repairs Yourself

 

Electrical panels are complex and connected to every circuit in your home or business. Mistakes can lead to shocks, fires, or severe equipment damage. Licensed electricians train for years and carry insurance to protect you. They know how to:

• Diagnose hidden damage to breakers, bus bars, and wiring.
• Use specialized tools like insulation testers and moisture detectors.
• Ensure repairs comply with the National Electrical Code and local regulations.

 

Removing Water and Drying the Panel Area

 

Before repairs begin, the panel and surrounding wall must be dry:

• Use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to remove standing water around the panel—not inside it.
• Set up fans or dehumidifiers in the room to lower humidity levels.
• Allow at least 48–72 hours for complete air drying. Moisture can hide behind drywall or insulation.

 

Inspection of Panel Components

 

Once dry, the electrician will open the panel to examine:

• Circuit breakers: Water may cause corrosion or internal short circuits.
• Bus bars: These metal strips distribute power. Corrosion here can cause overheating or arcing.
• Wiring insulation: Wet insulation loses its protective properties and can lead to ground faults.
• GFCI and AFCI devices: These safety breakers may need replacement if water infiltrated their sensing mechanisms.

 

Testing and Certification

 

After replacing or repairing parts, the electrician will:

• Perform insulation resistance tests to verify no moisture remains inside wiring or breakers.
• Check each circuit for proper voltage and grounding.
• Document all work and provide a safety certificate or permit if required by local authorities.

 

Restoring Power Safely

 

With a certified inspection complete:

• The main breaker is turned on slowly, observing for unusual sounds, smells, or sparks.
• Individual circuits are re-energized one by one, testing for lights and outlets.
• A final walkthrough ensures all safety devices like smoke alarms and GFCIs function correctly.

 

Preventing Future Flood Damage

 

To reduce risk in flood-prone areas like St. Louis or Nashville:

• Install the electrical panel at least 12–24 inches above expected flood levels.
• Use waterproof enclosures rated for outdoor or damp locations.
• Consider a backup generator with an automatic transfer switch mounted higher on a wall.
• Improve drainage around your building—extend downspouts, install a sump pump, or build a berm.

 

Following these steps ensures you handle a wet electrical panel safely, restore power without hazards, and prevent future flooding issues.