Replacing flooded receptacles

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jmmyers

Member
Hoping I can find some code help here today. I have an inspector in MA requiring all receptacles and switches in a house that got wet to be replaced, stating the NEC code requires they be replaced.

Does anyone know of any code references about replacing receptacles that got wet or were in a flood?

Thanks,

Joe Myers
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

I do not know any other than to they now lost there UL listing.Why would you even fight the idea of changing them ? They will corrode and not be safe.Was this water from a fire or from flood
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

On this web site somewhere is a page issued by NEMA about water damaged equipment, I'll try to find it.

What about code 110.11 Deteriorating Agents
and 110.12(C) Integrity of electrical equipment and connections.
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

I think you are misunderstanding, I did not say that I was fighting replacement of switches, receptacles or fixtures in this case.

This particular inspector stated that the NEC requires their replacement and being an inspector myself, I am not aware of any such requirement in the NEC.

This is a new construction home in MA. Poor roofing conditions caused water to leak into the home.

Thanks for your help. From the replies that I have gotten it does not look like this is a requirement of the NEC.

Hello Bob B.

LTNS! :cool:

Joe Myers
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

Jim,

Could you further elaborate on this comment.

I do not know any other than to they now lost there UL listing.
Click to expand...
I am interested in hearing why a switch or receptacle would lose their UL listing if they got wet.

If I am not mistaken, the NEC lists NM-B cable for dry locations but goes on further to elaborate it can placed in area's subject to temporary moisture. Would the NM-B cable then lose its UL listing also? If so, which part or parts of the UL listing would it lose?

It looks like this may turn into an interesting topic yet. :cool:

Joe Myers
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

Yes, NEMA addresses the issue "Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment."I have an olded undated copy which states IN PART:
"Wiring Devices, Ground Fault Circuit Interrrupters (GFC1) and Surge Protectors"
"Sediments and contaminants contained in water may find their way into the internaI components of installed electrical products and may remain there even after the products have been dried or washed by the user. These may adversely affect the performance of those products without being readily apparent to the user community. Also, electrical products, such as GFCI?s and surge
protective devices, contain electronic circuitry and other components which can be adversely affected by water resulting in the device becoming non-functional or a hazard to the user.
As a result such products subjected to or believed to be subjected to water damage are not suitable for continued use and must be replaced with new undamaged products. Air drying and washing of water damaged products of this type should not be attempted."
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

If the devices were actually in water then they have been altered.A lot would depend on just how wet they may or may not got.If we are saying they were in a flood then yes there damaged.What is he saying about the wiring ? if it was romex i see a huge problem.Ever seen romex after it got wet ? that paper wrap will never dry.
I have done many fire repairs and it is automatic that all devices in effected areas will get replaced.
We all have seen receptacles outdoors that after only a few years are corroded.

I my opinion if they got wet they are altered and thereby lost listing.
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

Jim,

I am not following the "altered" route. I can understand "damaged" but not altered. Is that your opinion that the devices would be "altered" once they were wet, or is that a UL rule?

Templdl,

Thank you for the information. I do understand the National Electrical Manufacturers Association guidelines do recommend replacing those devices which are suspected of becoming wet.

I am specifically looking for codes (NEC, BOCA, ICC...etc.) which require the replacement of devices that have become wet. In addition, I would like to know if there is any type of testing available that would be conclusive to test for wet wiring and devices, so they can be replaced.

As I stated previously, I am not fighting replacement, I am looking for information that would help decide what needed to be replaced and how it could be tested to make replacement readily apparent.

Thanks again.

Joe Myers
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

fema has required a megaohmmeter (sp) test to see if wiring will be safe. I know one elec who made money from this every time it flooded near where i live.

it will show faults, but not necessarily show completely safe.

paul
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

Codes like the NEC and ICC are installations standards, not product standards. The NEC will not tell you if or when equipment or wiring needs to be replaced, it will only tell you what the requirements are if you do.

Insurance companies, fire marshalls, building department, code compliance offficials, and the like are responsible for determining when equipment or wiring is no longer safe for use or operation.
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

Bryan,

I would like to agree with you about this statement but I don't.

Insurance companies, fire marshalls, building department, code compliance offficials, and the like are responsible for determining when equipment or wiring is no longer safe for use or operation.
Click to expand...
In order for a code enforcement official to require or enforce replacement, it would need to be a code whether it would be the NEC, ICC, BOCA or any other code.

Joe Myers
 
Re: Replacing flooded receptacles

Thanks Ken, My hard copy that I quoted from previously, although older, is identical. I'm going to download a copy to update my file.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top