🌩️ Storm Damage & Your Electrical System: A Guide for Metro Atlanta Property Owners

Living in Metro Atlanta, we are no strangers to intense summer thunderstorms, high winds, and the occasional ice storm. While most people check their roofs or windows after a storm, the most dangerous damage is often the kind you can’t see: your electrical system.

At Edlectric Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses across Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and Sandy Springs recover from Mother Nature’s toughest hits. Here is what you need to know to stay safe.

What to Do if a Tree Falls on My House?

If a tree or a heavy limb crashes into your home, the physical structure isn't your only concern. Trees often bring down power lines or rip the electrical service entrance right off the side of the building.

1. Evacuate if Necessary: If you hear buzzing, see sparks, or smell burning, get everyone out immediately.
2. Do Not Touch the Tree: If the tree is in contact with any wires, the entire tree could be "energized." Touching it could be fatal.
3. Call the Utility Company: Report downed lines to Georgia Power or your local EMC first.
4. Call a Licensed Electrician: Once the power is cut, you need a professional to assess the damage to your mast, meter base, and breaker panel.

The NEC: Why Professional Rewiring Matters

When it comes to storm recovery, we don't just "patch" things up. We follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) to ensure your property is legally compliant and, more importantly, safe.

The NEC is the benchmark for safe electrical design and installation. In cases of significant water intrusion or physical impact, NEC Section 110.12(B) is critical. It addresses the integrity of electrical equipment, stating that internal parts (such as bus bars or breakers) must not be contaminated by foreign materials like water or debris.

Important Note: If your electrical panel or outlets have been submerged in floodwater, the NEC and FEMA generally require complete replacement rather than repair, as corrosion can lead to fires years after the storm has passed.

Signs of Hidden Storm Damage

• Flickering Lights: This often indicates a loose "neutral" wire in your service mast.
• Burn Marks: Check your outlets for any discoloration.
• Buzzing Sounds: This can be a sign of a compromised circuit breaker or arcing wires behind your walls.
• Sulfur or "Fishy" Smells: This is often the smell of electrical shielding melting.

Local Experts You Can Trust

Storm damage is stressful enough without worrying about the quality of your repairs. As a local Atlanta contractor, Edlectric Services specializes in emergency repairs, rewiring, and bringing storm-damaged systems back up to current NEC standards.

We serve the entire Metro area, ensuring that your home or business is not just powered up, but protected for the next season.  

⚡ CALL FOR EMERGENCY STORM REPAIR

678-768-8934