What To Do When Your Landscape Lighting System Floods From A Hurricane
What to Do When Your Landscape Lighting System Floods from a Hurricane
Living in hurricane-prone areas like Florida means dealing with the potential aftermath of severe weather events, including flooding. One of the less obvious but equally important concerns is the impact of flooding and storm surge on your landscape lighting system.
A beautifully lit landscape can be a significant investment, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and security of your property. When a hurricane strikes and causes flooding, knowing the steps to take can save your lighting system and prevent further damage.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do when your landscape lighting system floods from a hurricane.
1. Safety First: Turn Off Power
2. Assess The Damage
Once it is safe to do so, conduct a thorough assessment of the damage.
Check the extent of the flooding and identify which parts of your lighting system are affected. Look for signs of water intrusion in the fixtures, transformers, and wiring. Take note of any obvious damages such as broken fixtures, exposed wires, or submerged electrical components.
If your lighting transformer was submerged it is essential to have the transformer replaced immediately . A submerged transformer is a ticking time bomb, the internal components of the system start to corrode immediately and they are known to catch fire.
3. Remove Debris
4. Dry Out The System
After the initial assessment and debris removal, the next step is to dry out the system. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Fixtures: If the fixtures have been submerged, allow them to dry completely. Open any accessible parts to facilitate drying. Use a dry cloth to wipe away moisture and leave the fixtures in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you have a dry vac this would be a great tool to quickly remove residual water lingering inside of the fixture.
Wiring: Check the wiring for any signs of damage. While low-voltage landscape lighting wiring is often designed to be water-resistant (when spliced properly) , prolonged submersion can cause issues. If you do not believe your system is properly sealed, visually inspect all known connections for corrosion. If you identify areas of corrosion make sure to cut these portions out of the system and resplice the clean wires back together.
Transformers and Control Boxes: As mentioned earlier it is essential that all submerged transformers be discarded and replaced. When inspecting your transformer after the storm surge or flooding visually inspect the area for a water line . If you notice a water line on the transformer or higher than the transformer the unit needs to be replaced.
5. Inspect For Corrosion
6. Check For Electrical Shorts
Before turning the power back on, check for electrical shorts. An electrical short can occur when water bridges the gap between electrical contacts. Use a multimeter to test for continuity and ensure there are no short circuits.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to hire a professional landscape lighting technician.
8. Reinstall And Test The Lighting System
9. Consider Professional Help
10. Preventative Measures For The Future
To minimize the risk of damage from future flooding, consider implementing some preventative measures:
Elevate Fixtures: Install fixtures on elevated platforms or choose designs that are less likely to be submerged.
Seal Connections: Ensure all electrical connections are well-sealed with waterproof connectors or silicone sealant.
Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance checks to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before hurricane season.
Conclusion
Dealing with a flooded landscape lighting system can be daunting, but taking the right steps can save your investment and ensure your property remains beautifully lit. Prioritize safety by turning off the power, assess and dry out the system, replace damaged components, and consider professional help if needed. Implementing preventative measures can also help protect your system from future flooding events. By following this comprehensive guide, you can restore your landscape lighting system and maintain the aesthetic and security benefits it provides.
For residents in hurricane-prone areas like southwest Florida, where Beacon Outdoor Lighting operates, understanding these steps can be crucial. With nearly two decades of experience and a commitment to quality and customer service, Beacon Outdoor Lighting is equipped to help homeowners recover from such incidents and enhance their landscape lighting systems. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can ensure your system is restored and protected against future storms.