Wires submurged in salt water

[GlennG]

Here on long island alot of homes got flooded during hurricane sandy. What are your thoughts on replacing wiring and devices submerged in salt water? I would think at the least the devices should be replaced, the wiring seems like a stretch but i feel that if it was my house that's what i would do. Any thoughts?

 

[texie]

Here on long island alot of homes got flooded during hurricane sandy. What are your thoughts on replacing wiring and devices submerged in salt water? I would think at the least the devices should be replaced, the wiring seems like a stretch but i feel that if it was my house that's what i would do. Any thoughts?

Here is what NEMA says about flooded electrical equipment and wire/cable: http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/EDEN/guidelines_handling_water_damaged_elect_equip.pdf
I seen many jobs where NM cable (but not breakers, panels, devices or equipment) was reused after being flooded with fresh clean water (as in a broken pipe). But in my view any wire/cable and all equipment that has been submerged in salt water has to be completely replaced without question. I don't think any AHJ or insurance company would disagree.

 

[resistance]

Can?t wait to see how they handle the substations that are under water.:?

 

[zog]

Can?t wait to see how they handle the substations that are under water.:?

I have 2 crews doing that as we speak

 

[resistance]

I have 2 crews doing that as we speak

are you planning to replace the equipment?

 

[zog]

are you planning to replace the equipment?

No, this is 15kV gear, we are sending out mobile breaker shops and rebuilding breakers at the site. I am sure all the close/trip coils, charging motors, and relays will require replacement but we can save the breakers.

 

[K8MHZ]

deleted, couldn't post link....

 

[jeremysterling]

Here on long island alot of homes got flooded during hurricane sandy. What are your thoughts on replacing wiring and devices submerged in salt water? I would think at the least the devices should be replaced, the wiring seems like a stretch but i feel that if it was my house that's what i would do. Any thoughts?

Any resi that got wet, salty or not, I would replace.

On a related note, I heard on the news that ConEd underground utility is regularly exposed to saltwater in the winter time because of runoff from the DOT salting the icy roads, therefore they are not as concerned about storm surge inundation.

 

[cadpoint]

Any resi that got wet, salty or not, I would replace.

On a related note, I heard on the news that ConEd underground utility is regularly exposed to saltwater in the winter time because of runoff from the DOT salting the icy roads, therefore they are not as concerned about storm surge inundation.

In no defenes of Con - Ed. Isn't a fact that their connections demand sealed/booted ends on the big power?
I thinking of the stuff underground.