Best way to deal with moisture in cable

[bhavik]

I have a 6mm cooker cable in the wall. Perhaps a choc bar connector has been used (don't know for sure). The cable is showing continuity after disconnecting each end and testing. This suggests moisture perhaps. (Lots of cats around so no mice or rats. )

Is it worth trying to clear the moisture by passing high voltage to heat the cable?
Any suggestions on equipment e.g. Robin

(Client had a similar problem 15 years ago when new kitchen was installed but don't know what was done.)

 

[DefyG]

Or damaged cable but either way the fault or joint needs locating and eliminating to be 100% sure! Re-wire?

 

[bhavik]

Or damaged cable but either way the fault or joint needs locating and eliminating to be 100% sure! Re-wire?

I am afraid part of the cable is in the wall and part above suspended ceiling (which could be broken). Mostly not easily accessible. A new cable could be run. Might be easier to attempt to remove moisture if it lasts another 15years!

 

[James]

The fault needs to be physically found and repaired.
alternative is to replace the suspect piece of cable with new.

trying to warm it by passing current down it is just not an option as you have no way of determining what damage has been done to any junctions or insulation brake down along the cable.

 

[bhavik]

The fault needs to be physically found and repaired.
alternative is to replace the suspect piece of cable with new.

trying to warm it by passing current down it is just not an option as you have no way of determining what damage has been done to any junctions or insulation brake down along the cable.

I have a fair idea that the issue is likely due to moisture. Sometimes vermin can chew and damage the cable but this is not likely in this case. Cable is only about 15 years old. The installer may have taken a short cut by using choc bar connector to lengthen the cable and this is probably where there may be moisture. Best fix is probably to run a new cable. But if moisture can be removed and the problem does not recur for a long time, it might be a more aesthetic and economical solution.

 

[telectrix]

 

[James]

How can you ensure that the cable or joint has not been damaged by the moisture?
sounds like a fire ready to happen.

 

[Moley]

Sounds like a fire ready to happen.

Well, that would cure the moisture.

 

[bhavik]

How can you ensure that the cable or joint has not been damaged by the moisture?
sounds like a fire ready to happen.

It's a valid point. Based on age of cable and nature of issue I am assuming that the damage is not severe. The RCD would continue to trip if damage is severe after attempting to remove moisture.

 

[James]

Sorry to say this, but no matter how many ways you try to justify this “fix”

it is a DODGY DIY FIX, no professional in there right mind would do this and HOPE the problem goes away for a few years.

 

[westward10]

What value of continuity are you getting and between which conductors.

 

[bhavik]

Sorry to say this, but no matter how many ways you try to justify this “fix”

it is a DODGY DIY FIX, no professional in there right mind would do this and HOPE the problem goes away for a few years.

Agreed. The best solution is new cable. But client may prefer to do that later when replacing the kitchen etc

 

[bhavik]

What value of continuity are you getting and between which conductors.

I am afraid my fluke 1652C went dead. Hoping to get replacement soon. I did check continuity but can't remember the values. Will get back after checking again.

 

[James]

You are listed as a trainee electrician, what does your tutor / mentor / electrician you are working with say about this?

clients often have little understanding about the dangers involved with electricity, it makes no difference and doesn’t surprise me that the client would like it fixed cheep on the promise that it may get redone in the future when other work is done.
however, as an electrician we should only ever give options to them that are safe And can be certified as compliant.

 

[JBW175]

What conductors were you getting continuity between?

Did you IR test the circuit?

What were the original symptoms that led to you being asked to conduct investigations?

 

[westward10]

We're you doing continuity or insulation resistance.

 

[UNG]

So 15 years ago the kitchen fitters bodged the electrics and left a fault waiting to happen, now the OP now wants to bodge the electrics again to avoid the reality that the only real fix may mean taking some plaster off

You are listed as a trainee electrician, what does your tutor / mentor / electrician you are working with say about this?

His profile also has " Business Name Bhavik Shah IFA " wondering if that is why he is trying to fix it on the cheap

 

[bhavik]

What conductors were you getting continuity between?

Did you IR test the circuit?

What were the original symptoms that led to you being asked to conduct investigations?

Original symptoms were RCD tripping. Haven't done a lot of testing yet. Continuity between live and neutral.

 

[westward10]

Original symptoms were RCD tripping. Haven't done a lot of testing yet. Continuity between live and neutral.

Continuity or insulation resistance.

 

[bhavik]

So 15 years ago the kitchen fitters bodged the electrics and left a fault waiting to happen, now the OP now wants to bodge the electrics again to avoid the reality that the only real fix may mean taking some plaster off


His profile also has " Business Name Bhavik Shah IFA " wondering if that is why he is trying to fix it on the cheap

Intention is to replace cable eventually.

Client history suggests similar problem occurred when the new kitchen and wiring was done 15 years ago.
I was wondering of others experience and long periods of remission after treating moisture.
Some electrical safety certificate was issued after the works were completed 15 years ago