Warnings about electricity and appliances after flood damage

Queensland residents have been urged not to add further tragedy to the damage caused by flooding by trying to avoid proper testing of electrical appliances and fittings.

Master Electricians Australia warned that all appliances that had been submerged in flood or storm water needed to be tested by a licensed electrician before they were used.

Chief Executive Malcolm Richards cautioned all building occupants that it wasn’t sufficient simply to wait for appliances and household fittings to dry out, stating: “Given the trauma and cost many flood victims are now struggling with, it’s understandable that people might be tempted to avoid calling an electrician to check on appliances.

“However, Queensland has suffered enough tragedy as a result of these terrible floods. We certainly don’t want to see lives lost as a result of people plugging in water-damaged appliances and hoping they will be okay.

“Similarly, if your switchboard or internal electrical fittings have been inundated, ensure they are properly tested by an expert before you use them again.

“Although it’s a stressful and costly time for those involved, taking short cuts with electrical safety is not the answer.”

Homeowners whose power had been disconnected for safety reasons during the flooding would need a certificate from a licensed electrician before the distributor - in most cases Ergon Energy - would reconnect supply.

Richards remarked that Master Electricians Australia was offering a free referral hotline to help flood-affected homeowners to secure a local electrical contractor as quickly as possible: “Once people are able to return to their homes and businesses, they will want to get on with the job of cleaning up as fast as they can, and they will need electricity to do that.

“Sourcing properly qualified tradespeople will be challenging in many areas. That’s why Master Electricians Australia is offering to help put homeowners in touch with qualified contractors.”