Understanding Pedestals in Mobile Home Parks

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many mobile homeowners are dealing with the unfortunate consequences of flooding. Among the damages caused by the storm, pedestal units – those essential electrical structures in mobile home parks – have taken a significant hit. If you own a mobile home and your pedestal has been affected by flooding, especially with saltwater, this post is for you.

This article will explain what a pedestal is, the dangers of saltwater damage, the components that make up the pedestal, and how to assess if it needs replacing.

What is a Pedestal in a Mobile Home Park?

A pedestal is a free-standing structure that supplies electrical power to individual mobile homes. It’s essentially the hub that connects your home to the power grid, and it often contains other utilities like cable or telephone lines. Pedestals are typically installed near the home and house important electrical components like the meter and circuit breakers.

In short, the pedestal is the bridge between the utility provider and your home, ensuring you have the electricity you need for your daily life.

The Effects of Saltwater on Pedestals

Hurricane Helene brought flooding, and for many, this meant saltwater intrusion. Saltwater is particularly harmful to electrical components due to its corrosive properties. When saltwater floods a pedestal, it can:

1. Corrode Metal Components: Salt accelerates corrosion on metal parts like terminals, connectors, and circuit breakers. This weakens them and may lead to dangerous electrical issues like short circuits or even fires.

2. Damage Insulation: Saltwater can damage the insulation that protects wiring, making it unsafe and prone to causing electrical shorts.

3. Compromise Electrical Safety: Flooding can cause short circuits, tripped breakers, or malfunctioning components, which can make the electrical system unreliable or hazardous.

In many cases, the saltwater doesn’t just damage the external parts but seeps into the inner workings of the pedestal, causing hidden problems that might not be immediately visible.

Key Components of a Pedestal

To better understand the potential impact of flooding, it's helpful to know the main components that make up a pedestal:

1. Meter: This tracks the electricity consumption of your home.

2. Main Breaker: The central switch controlling the electrical connection between the power grid and your home.

3. Circuit Breakers: Smaller breakers for specific parts of your electrical system, providing protection from overloads or electrical faults.

4. Wiring and Connections: Internal wiring carries power to your home, and proper insulation ensures electrical safety.

5. Grounding Components: These protect your home from electrical surges by providing a path for excess electricity to safely dissipate into the ground.

When saltwater damages any of these components, the integrity of the entire electrical system can be compromised.

How to Know If Your Pedestal Needs to Be Replaced

If your mobile home’s pedestal was submerged during the flooding, you should not take the damage lightly. Even if it appears to be working after the storm, there may be unseen damage. Also keep in mind that the damage to the components are not always visible from the exterior of the pedestal.  Here’s how to assess whether your pedestal needs replacing:

1. Visible Corrosion: Rust or corrosion on the exterior or around the components on the interior is a clear sign that the pedestal may no longer be safe. 

2. Tripped Breakers or Power Issues: If your breakers keep tripping or you’re experiencing inconsistent power, this could indicate internal damage caused by flooding.

3. Signs of Water Damage: Look for water stains, pooling water, or moisture inside the pedestal. This can lead to mold growth and short-circuits over time.

4. Electrical Smells or Sounds: Any buzzing sounds or burnt smells coming from the pedestal are red flags that something is seriously wrong and the pedestal needs professional inspection or replacement.

5. Professional Inspection: Always have a licensed electrician inspect the pedestal after any flooding event. They can assess the internal components for water or salt damage and determine whether the pedestal can be salvaged or if replacement is necessary.

Taking Action: Don’t Wait

While it might be tempting to delay repairs if your pedestal seems to be functioning post-flood, it’s critical to address any damage promptly. Electrical components compromised by saltwater can lead to future malfunctions, safety risks, and higher repair costs down the road.

What You Can Do Now:

• Schedule an Inspection: Reach out to a licensed electrician to perform a thorough inspection of your pedestal.
• Consider Replacement: If the damage is significant, replacing the pedestal might be the safest option to protect your home and avoid future problems.
• Document the Damage: If your insurance covers storm-related damages, be sure to take photos and keep detailed records for any claims you might need to file.