cyberpanther
Premium Member
So I was trying to get my overflow suction started and accidentally spilled a decent amount of water into the outlet behind the tank (I know bad spot for an outlet). It is not a GFI (I know even worse) and as a result it arched and there are black marks about 8 inches to a foot above the outlet from the fire. Fortunately the breaker flipped, but oddly enough it turned off plugs on that breaker and a seperate breaker.
I the went and tried to clean all the water out of the outlet without removing it, and turned the breaker back on, and it happened again, but again the breaker flipped (this time only for those plugs on that breaker). My wife then asked if I removed the tape from the lower plug from when she painted. Oops...nope, and water got behind the tape and into the socket, and apparently that caused the arc and fire before flipping the breaker.
I am now running an extension cord to a different outlet on a different breaker, but what should I do about this outlet now? Can I use a dehumidifier for a few days then retry, or do I need an electrician. If an electrician is needed of course I will have him make it a GFI plug while he is out. My neighbor does construction and based on previous experience he will check it for a nominal fee but he is not an electrician, but has 30 years of experience in construction and swears he knows what he is doing. He did do the recessed lighting in my basement. I have four kids so safety first.
P.S. My son who is only 5 was there when it happened, heard the huge buzz, saw the flames, and is freaking out.
I the went and tried to clean all the water out of the outlet without removing it, and turned the breaker back on, and it happened again, but again the breaker flipped (this time only for those plugs on that breaker). My wife then asked if I removed the tape from the lower plug from when she painted. Oops...nope, and water got behind the tape and into the socket, and apparently that caused the arc and fire before flipping the breaker.
I am now running an extension cord to a different outlet on a different breaker, but what should I do about this outlet now? Can I use a dehumidifier for a few days then retry, or do I need an electrician. If an electrician is needed of course I will have him make it a GFI plug while he is out. My neighbor does construction and based on previous experience he will check it for a nominal fee but he is not an electrician, but has 30 years of experience in construction and swears he knows what he is doing. He did do the recessed lighting in my basement. I have four kids so safety first.
P.S. My son who is only 5 was there when it happened, heard the huge buzz, saw the flames, and is freaking out.
Last edited: