XHHW-2 XLPE cable in water

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Cableman

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We are doing a current installation, and the lower level got flooded.

1. Cables were in wire nuts not termination on the devices. The wires were exposed at the open junction boxes.
2. When openning cover for a receptacle water came out.

Should the cables be replaced?

Thanks for the help
 
The Nema article ( in above link) is very good. Many years ago I worked for a paper mill that flooded two levels of the basement. After the river water subsided, we opened all motor starters, junction boxes etc. and hosed them down with fresh clean water and then proceeded to dry out and test before reenergizing. If you can get the dirt and contaminates off before they dry you have a chance. We had 82 motors under water and about 50 starters, j-boxes etc. We had (3) 300 hp autotransformer starters that had to be replaced. All the others tested ok to get running again. All the motors were taken out, cleaned, tested and new bearings installed.
Of course life was shortened. We were replaceing electrical gear at a faster then normal pace for 5 years after but were able to get running after a week of down time.
 
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