NEMA Offers Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment Safety Information To Areas Struck By Hurricane WILMA
ROSSLYN, Va., October 24, 2005. In response to electrical hazards posed in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, NEMA (the National Electrical Manufacturers Association) is offering free access to its brochure, Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment.
Designed for use by suppliers, installers, inspectors, and end users of electrical products, the document provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water. It outlines which items will require complete replacement or can be reconditioned by a trained professional. Equipment covered includes electrical distribution equipment, motor circuits, power equipment, includes transformers, wire, cable and flexible cords, wiring devices, GFCIs and surge protectors, lighting fixtures and ballasts, motors, electronic products such as signaling, protection, and communication systems, industrial controls, and cable trays.
The entire brochure has been incorporated into the Federal Emergency Management Agency's manual, Principles and Practices for the Design and Construction of Flood Resistant Building Utility Systems, which is intended for developers, architects, engineers, builders, code officials, and homeowners who are involved in design and construction of building utility systems for residential and nonresidential structures.
The NEMA brochure may be downloaded free of charge at www.nema.org/stds/water-damaged.cfm. NEMA has also created a place on its website (http://www.nema.org/media/20050902a.cfm) that provides company customer service numbers which consumers and safety professionals can call to get information about the safety of electrical equipment and systems in the storm-ravaged areas.
"This brochure was widely distributed in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, and was a valuable resource for those responsible for restoring electrical systems," says NEMA President Evan Gaddis. "NEMA and its members are committed to doing whatever we can to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild their electrical infrastructure."
NEMA is the leading trade association in the United States representing the interests of electroindustry manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its 400 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. Domestic shipments of electrical products within the NEMA scope exceed $100 billion.
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