What to do after hurricane Helene

[Hv&Lv]

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

Agreed.. but conductivity aside when the saltwater gets into the wire, it's very corrosive to the copper wires.

 

[ramsy]

Replace esp if covered by insurance.

Recommend replacing with underground feeder cable (UF), and Weather Resistant devices (WR), which may dry out better next time.

 

[kwired]

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

Pinched wire + water/contamination = fire

If they have removed wall covering because it too was submerged then you should be able to visually see said pinched wire if it exists?

Outside of paper fillers in the cable wicking up moisture I really don't see much issue with getting NM cable wet. Mold issues maybe.

As others have mentioned, I have also seen many cases of misused NM cable and wetness mostly only makes a mess of the paper fillers but the conductors are always fine.

 

[GoldDigger]

Just use cable ties and no staples lol

Also put in nail plates as needed, in case a mad carpenter with a nail gun gets loose in the yard.

 

[GoldDigger]

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

If you choose not to replace, remember salt is also potentially corrosive. If you do not have the wire to spare to cut back, do your best to make sure the ends of the wires are clean and smooth surfaced.

 

[James Williams]

Old Romex used TW insulation on the wires – Note: W means wet locations. Not that the Romex was rated for wet.

 

[Jraef]

From NEMA, published in Sept. 2005 right after Katrina:
http://www.nema.org/prod/be/enclosures/upload/guidelines_handling_water_damaged_elect_equip.pdf

More on motors:
http://www.usbr.gov/power/data/fist/fist3_4/vol3-4.pdf