Electrical devices and systems in case of flooding and inundation

Not only meter cabinets and electrical systems, but also various electrical appliances, such as washing machines, washer-dryers and a second refrigerator, are often located in the basement and are therefore particularly at risk during flooding caused by heavy rain. If these rooms are flooded, there is a risk of fatality!

If water penetrates into these rooms, the fuses and circuit breakers that normally protect against electric shock can no longer function properly. On the other hand, the water can be conductive due to contact with the electrical system or an electrical appliance and cause an electric shock when touched. 

How can I protect electrical systems and devices from flooding as a preventive measure?

1. In flood-prone areas, the building connection, meter panels and circuit distributors for new buildings or buildings undergoing renovation should be positioned above the expected hundred-year flood level.
2. All new circuits must be protected by residual current circuit breakers with a rated residual current of ≤ 30 mA.
3. If the old buildings have power circuits below the flood level, residual current circuit breakers should be retrofitted due to the particular hazard posed by them not already being present.

What should I do during a flood?

1. Never enter flooded rooms if they contain electrical systems and/or devices. There is a risk of fatality!
2. Do not touch any metal parts (e.g. handrails on stairs) that lead into flooded rooms.
3. Before you re-enter the flooded rooms, the electrical system must be switched off from the outside. Please contact your local energy supplier for this.
4. Please note that in the case of a self-generation system (photovoltaic, CHP system, battery systems), there may still be a risk of electric shock even after the public power supply has been switched off.

What needs to be done after a flood?

1. Electrical systems and devices, as well as fuses, must always be checked for defects by a specialist company before being put back into operation!
2. Clean the affected devices and systems in consultation with the specialist company and dry them. Ensure good ventilation in the affected room.
3. Heavily affected devices should be replaced with new ones.
4. Regularly check the cleaned devices for corrosion of the metal parts and corrosion of the insulating parts.
5. Have your building connection checked by the local energy supplier.

VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. and its affiliated companies (hereinafter each “VDE”) provide non-binding information on consumer protection topics. These publications are intended solely to raise general awareness of consumer protection in relation to electrotechnical products and issues. They expressly do not constitute professional or technical advice. The information is provided the best of one's knowledge and belief without having evaluated the actual conditions at a specific location or of a specific product.

While VDE makes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information is correct and complete, it cannot assume liability nor any warranty (neither explicitly nor implicitly) for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the content of the information provided.

The information may only be applied with the understanding that VDE cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage or loss of any kind. The use of the information provided does not release the user from the responsibility for his/her own actions and is therefore at his/her own risk.

Product-/Model-specific manufacturer specifications must be observed.