Wet as applied to submersion

[copper123]

I have been going back through the archives about the terminology of Wet as it applies to wire.
I have a similar question as what has already been debated.
Does the NEC have a classification for wire that is rated for full submersion? We have wet, damp, ect. I was at one of the big stores and they were selling a water well pump wire that looked just like THHN, yet it had W in the designation. It was twisted together with the proper colors for a well install. People are just running this down the well casing tied to the pumps. It has no outer jacket and is not a well cable at all that I am familiar with. One little nick and its all over.
Anyway, my question is more about SOW Cord. On the job that I am working on, the last contractor has installed SOW cord that runs 480 volt heaters. This cord was lying in a low spot filled with water. It was fully submerged along a part of its length. Of course the question came up and I am still trying to get an understanding of what the rules really is. We all know that many, many times our conduits are completely full of water, but what is the final rule?
Can Wet be applied to all electrical material, light fixtures as well. or does Wet have a different terminology as applied to different electrical installation components? I was looking at an outside HPS light yesterday and it has a Wet designation. I know that is can?t be submerged in a puddle! Anyhow, my thought was that the SOW cord running through the puddle of wire was a violation.
Thanks

 

[iwire]

IMO wet is submersible.

It would be pointless and imposable to sell an extension cord rated for outdoor wet location use with a disclaimer that the cord must stay out of puddles.

Most submersible sump / effluent pumps come with some sort of permanently attached rubber cord that will always be submerged.

Float switches are another example.

I was at one of the big stores and they were selling a water well pump wire that looked just like THHN, yet it had W in the designation. It was twisted together with the proper colors for a well install.

That sounds like what I see all the well guys use, it always looked cheesy to me but it must work.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

UL has a listing for submersible pump cable. That is what is commonly used for the application in question.

Submersible Pump Cable ? Indicates multiconductor cable consisting of two or three flat or two to six twisted insulated conductors with or without an overall jacket. The cable is labeled in size 14 AWG to 500 kcmil copper, and 12 AWG to 500 kcmil aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. The cable is tag marked "For Wiring Only Between Equipment Located at Water Well Heads and Motors of Installed Deep-Well Submersible Water Pumps." The insulation is surface marked " Submersible Pump Cable." The cable has not been investigated for direct burial in the earth.

Don

 

[copper123]

Boy Don, you are right. I have seen this wire just burried along with the water pipe coming into the house. I wonder how many inspectors are tagging this type of install. I always run a PVC conduit to the well cap.

 

[tom baker]

UL has publication that will assist you in understanding wire markings, si the Cable and Marking Guide" you can download the 2006 version from UL.
It explains what all the markings mean.
And there is a listed submersible pump cable.