What does post-flood electrical inspection cost in NB?

Post-flood electrical inspection in New Brunswick typically costs $150–$350 for the inspection itself, but the real cost depends heavily on what damage is found and what repairs are required.

Flooding is one of the most serious threats to a home's electrical system. Water and electricity are a deadly combination, and even after floodwaters recede, hidden damage can remain in your wiring, panel, outlets, and devices — creating ongoing fire and electrocution risks for weeks or months afterward.

What the Inspection Covers

A licensed electrician will assess your entire electrical system from the ground up — literally. They'll inspect your main panel and subpanels for water intrusion and corrosion, check all outlets and switches at or below the flood line, examine wiring runs in affected walls and crawlspaces, and test circuits for ground faults and insulation breakdown. Any electrical component that was submerged — including your panel, outlets, fixtures, and devices — should be considered compromised until proven otherwise.

What Repairs Typically Cost

This is where costs can climb significantly. Common post-flood repairs in New Brunswick include:

Outlet and switch replacement runs $75–$150 per device. A flooded basement with a dozen outlets could easily reach $1,000–$1,500 in replacements alone. Panel replacement, if your main panel was submerged, runs $1,500–$3,500 depending on amperage. Rewiring affected circuits can range from $400–$800 per circuit. If your water heater, furnace, or other hardwired appliances were submerged, those will need electrician sign-off before being re-energized as well.

TSANB Requirements After Flooding

This is critical: in New Brunswick, you cannot simply dry out your electrical system and turn it back on. TSANB (Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick) requires that flood-damaged electrical systems be inspected and repaired by a licensed electrical contractor before power is restored to affected areas. A TSANB permit will be required for any repair work beyond simple like-for-like replacements, and an inspector must sign off before the system is re-energized. Your electrician handles this process — don't attempt to restore power yourself.

NB Power will not reconnect your service after a flood without confirmation that your system is safe. Contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272 if your meter or service entrance was affected — that portion is their responsibility.

Insurance Considerations

Most New Brunswick home insurance policies cover flood-related electrical damage, but they require documentation. Make sure your electrician provides a written inspection report detailing all damage found — this is essential for your claim. Do not attempt any DIY repairs before the insurance adjuster visits, as this can complicate or void your claim.

Safety warning: Do not enter a flooded area where electrical equipment may still be energized. If there's any doubt about whether power is off, call NB Power or a licensed electrician before entering. Standing water and live circuits can be instantly fatal.

If your home has experienced flooding, New Brunswick Electrical can match you with a licensed local electrician who can conduct a proper post-flood inspection and get your system safely back online — the matching service is completely free.