Earlier this month, a destructive Jersey Shore boardwalk fire in Seaside Park and Seaside Heights was caused by electrical wiring damaged by Superstorm Sandy last October. The insulation of the wiring in the boardwalk structures had apparently become compromised, allowing conductors to short, creating an arc and starting the fire. The fire destroyed 50 businesses over a six-block stretch of the boardwalk.
The Copper Development Association, a trade association representing companies that manufacture copper electrical components, recommends that property owners have their electrical equipment thoroughly inspected for possible damage to ensure it is functioning properly and that no potential hazards exist. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water. NEMA has produced a publication that serves as a guide for suppliers, installers, inspectors and users of electrical products when performing an evaluation.
Download the NEMA’s publication “Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Systems.”
