King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) has warned flood victims to check their homes for hidden electrical and structural damage, as submerged appliances could cause fires even if they appear to work normally.
The warning follows inspections by KMUTT lecturers and students, working with Singha R-SA and the King Mongkut’s Universities of Technology network, in the Rom Klao housing community after heavy rainfall and flooding in late September.
The team found faulty electrical installations and other hazards that homeowners might not have known about before the floods.
Asst Prof Atip Doolgindachbaporn of KMUTT’s electrical engineering department said many homes had power sockets installed close to the floor, leaving them vulnerable to flooding and short circuits.
Unlabelled circuit breakers also complicated repairs, forcing technicians to spend hours identifying which circuits they controlled.
Some residents had also suffered electric shocks when operating switches that had not been submerged, possibly because of accumulated moisture and deteriorating electrical components.
The team also discovered wiring installed incorrectly, with live and neutral wires switched, posing a safety risk that had existed before the flooding.
Asst Prof Atip advised homeowners in flood-prone areas to label circuit breakers clearly, separate lighting and socket circuits and raise sockets above previous flood levels where possible. Homes whose sockets, switches or electrical control panels have been inundated should not have their power restored until a qualified electrician has inspected the system.
Appliances that have been submerged should also be treated with caution, even if they have dried out and can still be switched on.
Water can damage insulation and internal components, creating a risk of short circuits or fires later.