Anyone who has first-hand experience with flooding from hurricanes or other natural disasters understands the importance of properly evaluating water damaged electrical equipment before re-energizing. NEMA provides assistance by providing a guide for evaluating water damaged electrical equipment through their website: https://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Evaluating-Water-Damaged-Electrical-Equipment.aspx#download

North Dakota has the following specific rules regarding water damaged electrical equipment:

24.1-06-01-20. Water damaged electrical equipment. Water damaged electrical equipment wiring and equipment exposed to water damage must comply with the following:

1. All breaker panel boards, breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, controllers, receptacles, switches, light fixtures, and electric heaters that have been submerged or exposed to water damage must be replaced or all electrical equipment, switchgear, motor control centers, boilers and boiler controls, electric motors, transformers, and other similar equipment, such as appliances, water heaters, dishwashers, ovens, and ranges that have been submerged must be reconditioned by the original manufacturer or by its approved representative or replaced.

2. Electrical wiring may require replacement depending on the type of wire or cable and what application it was listed for.

3. Splices and terminations must be checked to ensure compliance with article 110.14 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025).

4. Energized electrical panels that have been submerged must be deenergized to prevent loss of life and property.

Other recommendations can be found in "Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment" published by the national electrical manufacturers association (NEMA).

Refer to the Laws, Rules and Wiring Standards of North Dakota for additional information.