18 Ga Wire Help - Wire got wet - Is it any good?

[pancho]

I'm not sure if this is the proper place for this thread. I hope someone knows more then I do on this situation so this is a prayer, We have some 18 Ga Wire on spools that we cut for a lamp assembly here, however, we had rain this morning and a leak occurred that has gotten wet, it is insulated of course but was wondering if this wire is still good to use other then a visual check, does anyone know anything more about wire? Any help would be much appreciated

[Jim Howe]

Originally Posted by pancho

I'm not sure if this is the proper place for this thread. I hope someone knows more then I do on this situation so this is a prayer, We have some 18 Ga Wire on spools that we cut for a lamp assembly here, however, we had rain this morning and a leak occurred that has gotten wet, it is insulated of course but was wondering if this wire is still good to use other then a visual check, does anyone know anything more about wire? Any help would be much appreciated

If this is stranded wire the moisture could wick up under the insulation. If it has, trim of the first few feet and it should be fine.
To determine if the insulation has been affected have an electrician perform a volt/ohm test on the spool and check for insulation breakdown. Reading should be close to infinite resistance (wire to wire). Use a "megger" with at least 600 volts or higher depending on the rating of the wire.
If the spool was submerged I would throw it out.
Hope this helps!

[Underdog]

Contact the manufacturer.

[Wes Bucey]

It really all depends on the insulation and the quantity of water.

My first inclination would be to call the manufacturer, explain the situation, including the identity of the wire, and ask what to look for and how to check.

Most reputable wire and cable manufaturers will give you straight dope and may even offer to examine it for you.

In my experience, most shops doing what you describe probably don't have sophisticated enough instrumentation to determine the quality of wire or cable while still on the spool or reel.

[Mike S.]

Good advice so far. You might also decide to "cook" it at just over 100 C. if the insulation is rated to take this temp -- that would turn any water to steam and get rid of it.

[Stanley Waluk]

Looks like the best response is from Jim Howe but I would add that even if the wire has a solid conductor-you clip off a few feet because a capillary action could take place causing moisture to wick up the interface between the insulation and conductor.