What to do after hurricane Helene

[Roger9]

I’m unsure about a problem we’re facing over here in Florida. We’re getting calls to houses that were flooded due to hurricane Helene. receptacle's and some switches were submerged in salt water. Nobody can really get an answer from the county or inspectors on what needs to be done.

We know that any device or metal box that was submerged needs to be replaced but what do you guys think about the wire? If it’s cloth we’re replacing but we’re unsure about romex.

 

[Ken_S]

The romex should be replaced, water will have wicked through the cable.

 

[hillbilly1]

Usually they cut the Sheetrock at least 2’ aff, so it should be relatively easy to reroute and replace the wire.

 

[AC\DC]

The romex should be replaced, water will have wicked through the cable.

Ya but if you dry it out is it really comprised? Not like it’s been under ground for years
Maybe technically you have to but practically is what I am wondering

 

[ActionDave]

I dont believe that damp paper in Romex makes it unusable. I dont care what the insurance companies, manufacturers, or inspectors say. Romex buried in the dirt will work for years. Romex ran outside in conduit will work for a century.

 

[roger]

I would replace the devices and not worry about the conductors.

 

[ptonsparky]

I would certainly make sure to wipe off any mud/dirt at the ends and maybe cut back to fresh cu. Receptacle layout may not be exactly the same but if it meets code and owners Ok, you should be good.

 

[Hv&Lv]

How much would it cost increase be if the manufacturers simply make NM cable with marked THWN?

 

[electrofelon]

How much would it cost increase be if the manufacturers simply make NM cable with marked THWN?

Yes please, make it happen.

 

[Ken_S]

Ya but if you dry it out is it really comprised? Not like it’s been under ground for years
Maybe technically you have to but practically is what I am wondering

Flood water is generally contaminated, I would replace the romex. Until someone provides documentation that romex that has been submerged is safe for the long term, I'd replace it.

A study should be conducted to test water damaged romex as this has been and will continue to be a problem.

 

[AC\DC]

study are around my neck of wood romex in ground for 50 years still working

 

[ptonsparky]

study are around my neck of wood romex in ground for 50 years still working

I agree, seen it. Only difference, this is inside. Maybe a future mold issue? IDK.

 

[Ken_S]

study are around my neck of wood romex in ground for 50 years still working

Were any staples driven to hold the romex in the ground?

 

[roger]

Were any staples driven to hold the romex in the ground?

I hope not, it would be a waste of materials and labor. The romex would have already been secured and supported by the earth.

 

[Ken_S]

I hope not, it would be a waste of materials and labor. The romex would have already been secured and supported by the earth.

How many houses have been wired by qualified persons who were careful in securing and handling the romex?

Pinched wire + water/contamination = fire

 

[AC\DC]

How many houses have been wired by qualified persons who were careful in securing and handling the romex?

Pinched wire + water/contamination = fire

Just use cable ties and no staples lol

 

[junkhound]

Since it was salt water, I'd replace, fresh water, probably leave as is. Replace esp if covered by insurance.

Run megger test if unsure. There was a hydro generator station I was familiar with that flooded one year, fresh water. Put the whole thing in a tent with warm dry air for a couple of weeks (or longer in one generator case) till passed megger test. Returned to service, ran fine. Dont recall if it was 13.0 or a 25kV generators. Salt water likely would never pass megger tests.

 

[electrofelon]

Anyone know what the difference between wet and dry insulation is? Like what exactly happens to THHN if it gets wet?

 

[Hv&Lv]

Anyone know what the difference between wet and dry insulation is? Like what exactly happens to THHN if it gets wet?

Insulation itself? None really. PVC is very tolerant of saltwater. IIRC THHN is PVC.
The sulphides and ammonias in seawater are the most corrosive things to any copper. One of the reasons copper pipe isn't used for marine applications.

 

[ggunn]

Insulation itself? None really. PVC is very tolerant of saltwater. IIRC THHN is PVC.
The sulphides and ammonias in seawater are the most corrosive things to any copper. One of the reasons copper pipe isn't used for marine applications.

I would be concerned about salt infusion. When salt dries it isn't conductive but when it gets wet it is.