PAT Testing After Flooding or Water Damage

PAT Testing After Flooding or Water Damage

If your business premises has been affected by flooding, burst pipes, or any water ingress, every portable electrical appliance that may have been exposed to water must be tested before use. Water damage to electrical equipment is extremely dangerous and can cause electric shocks, short circuits, and fires.

Why Water-Damaged Equipment is Dangerous

Water — particularly dirty floodwater — conducts electricity and causes multiple problems in electrical equipment:

• Insulation breakdown: Water penetrates insulation, creating paths for current to flow where it should not
• Corrosion: Moisture corrodes internal connections, increasing resistance and creating hot spots
• Contamination: Floodwater contains silt, chemicals, and sewage that leave conductive residues inside equipment even after drying
• Hidden damage: Equipment may appear dry externally while still wet or corroded internally

What to Do After Water Damage

1. Do not switch anything on. If equipment has been exposed to water, do not attempt to use it until it has been inspected and tested.
2. Unplug everything. If it is safe to do so, unplug all portable appliances from the mains.
3. Call a professional. Have all affected equipment PAT tested before reconnecting. Have your fixed wiring inspected by a qualified electrician if the installation was affected.
4. Do not dry equipment with heat. Using a heater or hairdryer to dry out equipment can cause further damage and does not remove contaminants.

Equipment That Should Be Replaced

Some equipment should not be salvaged after water exposure:

• Any equipment fully submerged in floodwater — the contamination risk is too high
• Equipment with evidence of internal corrosion
• Extension leads and cable reels — water enters the sockets and is impossible to fully remove
• Cheap consumer appliances (kettles, toasters) — replacement is cheaper and safer than testing

Flood Recovery in Northwest England

Parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cheshire are prone to flooding. If your business has been affected by water damage, contact Green Tag PAT for emergency PAT testing to help you get back to work safely.