Nuclear Power Plants and Power Cable Safety

"Are the NEC's concerns justified, or is the organization just using whatever arguments it can to stop the relicensing of Vermont Yankee?"

Like everything, there will be at least a kernel of truth to it. However, any agency that is gunning to shoot down some project they do not approve will use every weapon they can find for their campaign. That is perfectly expected and why not?

Bottom line, either the cables are rated to be submerged, or they're not. It isn't a moot point, it's something to physically determine, and verify in the electrical codes and manufacturer's ratings.

The use of a submersible rated cable doesn't sound like a bad idea, to keep your power source secure against the risk of floods or tsunami.

Has Entergy replied to Shadis's (NEC) assertion? If so, in what manner? Libel suit maybe?

Or has Entergy indeed been sloppy enough to use dry-only cables in wet locations?

Just the facts, ma'am.

--Sgt. Joe Friday

While the cables may only be rated for dry service, re-rating them might be possible. The history of these nukes has been that as new needs have been revealed, we have rechecked the calculations to see if the existing plant can sustain the loads. When they cannot, modifications have been made.

These were not omissions, but additional requirements revealed from more experience, and from better computer programs allowing more sophisticated analysis.

You could be right that they are just finding excuses to stall the opening because they are nervous about nuclear fission plants. However, I personally do not like to regret anything I do. If you do not stall the waterproofing and there is a flood, you will deeply regret it. It will be a big deal to clean up the mess afterwards-much more expensive than waterproofing the wires.

Besides, you were able to turn on a computer to post this thread, so you must have enough electricity to function comfortably until the plant comes up .