Water and Electricity: A Volatile Mix

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Water in light fixtures presents threats other than electrocution

Occasional water leaks are part of homeownership in Lafayette Hill, PA. Faucets, pipes, and toilets drip and overflow from time to time. However, there's one category of water leakage that's not only stressful but highly dangerous—water in light fixtures such as a chandelier. It not only results in ceiling damage but, importantly, it can cause a serious or deadly injury to you or someone in your home.
The reason? Water conducts electricity. It carries an electrical current, making electrocution a real possibility if you touch leaking water that's pooling around an electric light fixture. In fact, merely touching the fixture's light switch can give you an electric shock.
This water emergency demands quick action.

Here's A Safety To-Do List

Turn off the electricity in your home's breaker box.
Ensure the electricity is off by testing a dry electric light, preferably with a non-contact voltage tester.
Turn off your home's water supply at the main shut-off valve.
If damp, don't touch any of your home's electrical sources (or light switches).
Avoid wet or sagging ceiling bulges around the affected light fixture.
Block access to the water-affected room.
Do not attempt to fix the ceiling's water leak by yourself.

Water in light fixtures presents threats other than electrocution. It's a fire risk because—as the water infiltrates the fixture's electrical wiring—it can cause sparking that ignites into flames. Corrosion or mold may have developed over the course of the leak, damaging wires and creating unsafe short circuits. There's also the possibility of a ceiling collapse as the drywall around the light fixture softens and loses its structural strength.
Once initial safety checks are in place, it's time to call in professionals skilled in neutralizing the hazards surrounding water in light fittings. Contact an electrician to repair the leak source as well as a water damage company experienced in cleaning and restoring your home's affected areas.