Water and electricity can be quite a dangerous combination. However, seeing water drip from your home’s electric panel isn’t something you need to make a big fuss about, as it’s actually a fairly common problem found in homes. However, if left unattended, this can damage your home’s appliances. For instance, water damage can affect your HVAC unit to the point where you may need to pay for a costly air conditioner repair if you don’t promptly fix your electric panel box.
If you’re thinking about trying to fix this problem yourself, that’s where things can become dangerous. Even if you’re confident enough, it’s never a good idea to tamper with your own home’s electrical system unless you’re a professional electrician. In this case, we recommend calling your trusted local electrician instead.
How Water Damages Your Electric Panel
Water coming through your home’s electric panel often means the entry cable running from the electric meter is damaged, or the electric meter itself may have been poorly sealed. The coating on the entry cable also deteriorates over time, leaving the wires and insulating material inside exposed , which allows water and moisture to absorb into them. The water that seeps through can work its way into the electric panel, where it wil slowly corrode the wiring and circuit breakers.
Corrosion can spread to other parts of your home as well if you leave it as it is, which can further damage its internal structure. For instance, corrosion can damage your HVAC unit’s electrical wiring as well if they’re not sealed properly. You may need to spend money on repairs or an even more costly air conditioning installation later on if this issue isn’t immediately addressed. This corrosion can increase the resistance between the cable and electric panel wiring, producing more heat, which can eventually ignite a fire.
What You Should Do to Fix It
If you’ve already noticed this problem with your home’s electric panel, it’s best to call a trusted electrician immediately. They can do a professional inspection of your home’s electrical wiring and accurately assess the damage. They’ll trace the source of the moisture and make the necessary repairs. They’ll also likely replace the electric service cable and renew the seal at the top of your home’s electric meter box.
If you need a reliable HVAC contractor to service your unit, you can rely on us here at Broom Heating & Air Conditioning, the only name you can trust. Give us a call at (803) 754-5466 to learn more about our products and services. You can also contact us online for an appointment.
As a leading HVAC contractor, Broom Heating & Air Conditioning discusses how to prevent water damage and corrosion in your electric panel box in this blog post.
Planned maintenance is key to making sure your heating and cooling system is in top shape at all times. A lot of property owners see it as merely added expense but it’s not! Think of a planned maintenance agreement as an investment into your investment. Your HVAC system plays a role in keeping your home or business comfortable and energy-efficient, after all, so it definitely pays to have one in place.
