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Appendix D:
Drying Out Procedure
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Important: Wear full face shield when drying out
MI cable.
Damage to the cable sheath or a damaged or missing
joint or end cap will cause the magnesium oxide
insulation (white powder) to absorb moisture, resulting
in low IR readings. The cable must be “heated out"
to remove the moisture and bring the IR back to an
acceptable level.
If moisture is detected in the cable, use the oxy-
acetylene torch with a large sizzling flame (Appendix
E) and dry out the cable beginning 5 in (13 cm) back
from the end of the cable (heat cold lead first if making
a hot/cold joint). If IR is still low and it was necessary
to remove an additional 10 in (25 cm) to 12 in (30 cm)
of cable, begin heating out the cable 12 in (30 cm) back
from the end of the cable. Alloy 825 sheath cable should
be heated to a dull red color.
Use a short sweeping motion of the torch and heat
about 2 in (5 cm) of cable at a time, repeating 4 to 5
times. Move the flame towards the joint body or end
cap as shown in Figure D1. Do not sweep the flame in
the opposite direction as this will drive the moisture
into the cable.
2" (5 cm)
Repeat 4 to 5 times
Joint body
Figure D1: Use sweeping motion of torch