Can insulated copper wire handle temporary submersion?

[Solar Flare]

I had a 500' spool of insulated copper wire get submerged in a foot of still, fresh water for 48 hours (warehouse flood). Is it waterproof? Usable? Proper way to test it?

 

[westward10]

What is the insulation.

 

[Solar Flare]

What is the insulation.

8-AWG Stranded Black Copper THHN Wire. Thermoplastic high heat resistant, nylon coated

 

[westward10]

It is likely the water has penetrated through the ends, how far who knows. You would have to cut the end back to find out.

 

[Avo Mk8]

As above. You say 'still fresh water' but it's certain to have picked up ionic contamination from the floor, in addition to impurities already in the water (assuming tap water). In 48 hours it could have wicked up a fair bit of cable unless the ends were sealed.

You could, for example, send the end of the cable, including a few metres, to a test laboratory and ask then to assess contamination levels on the copper (e.g. by splitting the cable open)
Maybe discuss the issue with these guys:

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiFlqmEuZaAAxWwW0EAHWwIAbwQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nemco.co.uk%2Fpcb-assembly-services%2Fionic-contamination-testing&usg=AOvVaw3Y2-4M1TyDx7fQotrwOqoI&opi=89978449

As you might guess from the link, my only experience is with contamination of assemblies, not cables, so you would need to find the right expert to give the 'all clear' on your stock (or not). I don't think there are any electrical tests (eg IR) that are relevant here. It is the the presence of internal contamination that will determine the life of the cable, and knowing its history, it would clearly be unethical to sell it as new!

I'm afraid you might find the cost of determining the cables condition is similar to (or exceeds) its scrap value.

 

[Megawatt]

I had a 500' spool of insulated copper wire get submerged in a foot of still, fresh water for 48 hours (warehouse flood). Is it waterproof? Usable? Proper way to test it?

You can read the insulation type printed on the wire and it will have if it’s rated for wet locations. I would put it in the sun and let it dry out. It should be fine

 

[Solar Flare]

SUPER helpful, everybody. Thanks.