The author discusses the use of spray foam in walls and construction, specifically in New Orleans. They mention a situation where an insulation contractor used spray foam to cover roughed-in romex cables, which led to concerns from the city inspector. The author also mentions that spray foam is generally safe to use around electrical wires when done correctly, as it provides a seal that can prevent insulation degradation.
The author mentions that spray foam is not suitable for directly covering plumbing and electrical wiring, as it can damage wires and pipes due to heat expansion and restrict the insulation. The heat generated by improper installation can melt the insulation on low voltage (and even high voltage) romex. The author suggests cutting a chase in the foam, placing the NM in, and using canned spray foam to hold it in place.
The author suggests that expanding spray foam without careful planning can damage electrical wiring. They suggest using an electric chain saw to cut a slot and lay the NM in, but caution should be taken when the foam is pushed out of the area between stud cavities. Romex is allowed to be sleeved in conduit to protect it from physical damage, as it is required under Article 334.15(B).
The author also questions whether insulation foams from big box stores harm the sheathing on Romex cable if used as a fire block in holes where cables pass through tops. They believe that spray foam is generally safe to use around electrical wires when done correctly, as it provides a seal that can prevent insulation degradation.
📹 When should I do electrical with Spray Foam Insulation?
Wiring, when is it the best time to do this for a spray foam job? http://www.sprayjones.com/ Does SPF make Toxic Smoke?
Can I spray foam around Romex?
Spray foam is generally safe to use around electrical wires when applied correctly, as it provides a seal that prevents air leaks and increases energy efficiency. However, it can trap heat, especially if overloaded wires generate excessive heat. To ensure safety, ensure all electrical systems are in good working order before applying foam insulation. Additionally, spray foam around electrical boxes, but only around them, not inside them. To ensure proper use, follow these tips:
- Clean the electrical box thoroughly before applying foam insulation.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to clean the foam, ensuring it is not sprayed on the surface.
- Avoid using foam around electrical boxes that generate excessive heat.
Is expanding foam safe around electrical wires?
Expanding spray foam can damage electrical wiring if not planned carefully. To prevent this, it is essential to route wiring in conduit and avoid overfilling the cavities where spray foam is being extended. Spray foam can insulate anything within the cavity it’s applied to, including electrical wires. These wires in residential construction already have insulation around them through PVC material on the outside. The insulation protects electrical shock and prevents fires by keeping wires from contact with flammable surfaces.
To insulate around an electrical box, split the spray foam insulation and carefully cut the remaining insulation around the box. For sealing recessed lighting fixtures, air circulation is required for cooling.
Does spray foam affect electrical wires?
Spray foam does not affect high-voltage wires, but some home security systems use lower voltage wires. These wires are more sensitive to heat, making it unwise to spray directly against them. To avoid this, three options are available: isolate the wire outside the foam, reroute it to avoid passing through a spray foam insulated wall, or encapsulate the wire with can foam before installing spray foam.
Does expanding foam degrade cables?
Expanding polyurethane foam in cable ducts is a controversial choice due to its potential to introduce an unnecessary layer of insulation, leading to overheating and increased risk of electrical fires and cable damage. The foam’s expansion and hardening make the duct nearly unusable for future modifications or maintenance, making it difficult to access or replace cables. This can be a time-consuming and costly process. Additionally, the use of isocyanates, specifically MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate), is a hazardous component in many polyurethane foams.
MDI is known to be a respiratory and skin irritant, and prolonged exposure can cause serious health issues. Exposure to MDI fumes or direct contact with the skin can cause sensitization, allergic reactions, or even long-term health problems. Therefore, workers applying expanding foam in cable ducts should be cautious and avoid using this material.
Where not to use expanding foam?
Expansive foam should not be used near lightboxes, ceiling lights, or heating appliances as it can catch fire due to its flammable nature. It may also cause damage to the light itself if it cures around wiring. Some foams may claim to be usable in close contact with ceiling lights, but it is recommended to consult a professional for guidance.
Pre-existing conditions should not be used with expanding foam without a mask, as it contains isocyanates, a chemical that can cause serious breathing and skin-related issues. To avoid these risks, use breathable masks and protective eyewear. If you are at risk of serious side effects, find an alternative method of filling cavities.
When purchasing foam, choose the correct type, such as open and closed cell or high expansion and low expansion, as they behave differently. Open-cell foam is more effective and expands quicker than closed-cell foam, making it an alternative to installing new insulation.
Where not to use expanding foam for walls?
Expansive foam should not be used near lightboxes, ceiling lights, or heating appliances as it can catch fire due to its flammable nature. It may also cause damage to the light itself if it cures around wiring. Some foams may claim to be usable in close contact with ceiling lights, but it is recommended to consult a professional for guidance.
Pre-existing conditions should not be used with expanding foam without a mask, as it contains isocyanates, a chemical that can cause serious breathing and skin-related issues. To avoid these risks, use breathable masks and protective eyewear. If you are at risk of serious side effects, find an alternative method of filling cavities.
When purchasing foam, choose the correct type, such as open and closed cell or high expansion and low expansion, as they behave differently. Open-cell foam is more effective and expands quicker than closed-cell foam, making it an alternative to installing new insulation.
Does electricity go through foam?
Polyurethane foam is a non-conductive material that sets when it absorbs water from the air. Therefore, unless one is working in an environment with an extremely low moisture content, there should be no electrical hazards associated with its use.
Where not to use spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation should not be used inside HVAC ducts as it can disrupt airflow and damage the ductwork. Specialized duct insulation materials should be used instead. Foam insulation spray is the premier option for insulating homes, but it should only be installed by an experienced professional. REenergizeCO, a trusted spray foam insulation company, has been helping homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and the Front Range control their utility bills with high-quality energy efficiency solutions. Their personalized approach helps determine when foam insulation is appropriate and when it is not.
Where should you not use spray foam?
Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly to unvented crawl spaces or attics without proper moisture control measures in place. Without such measures, it can trap moisture, leading to mold growth, rot, or structural damage. It is also not recommended to apply spray foam insulation to HVAC equipment or combustion appliances, as the chemicals in the insulation can be flammable and pose a fire hazard if exposed to high temperatures.
Exterior applications of spray foam insulation require proper protection against sunlight, moisture, and physical damage. UV exposure can cause degradation of the insulation, reducing performance and appearance. Additionally, if the insulation is not adequately protected from moisture, it can absorb water, compromising its effectiveness. Proper exterior cladding or coatings are essential to shield spray foam insulation in these applications.
Can you put insulation around electrical wires?
Insulating common home objects involves splitting insulation around wiring, ensuring the wire is comfortably nested inside, and not covering or making contact with heat-producing objects unless they are clearly rated with an IC rating (“Type IC”), which will be easily apparent on the fixture. Insulating should be placed between pipes and exterior walls, compressing it if needed to slide easily between the pipes and the wall, but never over the pipes. Ensuring the pipes are still visible is an easy way to ensure correct installation.
Can I use spray foam around electrical outlets?
To insulate electrical outlets and boxes, use spray foam to fill gaps around them, avoid spraying directly onto wires, and use low-expanding foam. Insulate the back of the box between the exterior wall and the exterior wall, providing insulation and a tight seal. Use rigid foam insulation on the back of the box, ensuring it can be opened and placed between the interior wall and the box. This will provide double protection from wind, pests, and other unwanted elements. Always use low-expanding foam when working around electrical outlets or boxes.
📹 Spray Foam and Overheated Wire
Another quick test to see what happens in a wall when too much electrical current flows though some typical household wire …
for walls, in my county, you cannot insulate until all rough in inspections are completed. This includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and framing. I am not sure you would ever do a wall cavity if the inspections were not done. I would hate to have to take that all out if the inspector needed to see the wall or anything.
how do you feel about the closed cell spray foam kits you can buy online? Tiger foam is one of the brands I have seen. my only concern would be the lack of experience applying the material, how hard is it to spray an even amount and making sure its air tight. I understand the temperature of the surface and material matters before applying, you want to moisture in the area either. I am just not sure I trust the local spray foam companies in my area to do the job correctly.
Any tips for those open backed low voltage boxes when filling the whole stud cavity with open cell? We are getting foamed in a few weeks so I want to prep it for the folks so they don’t have to worry about it. I thought about taping it up with painters tape or something, or just replacing it with regular electrical boxes. Not sure if theres a better approach. The low volt cables themselves are ran through conduit tacked onto the stud.
Hey Spray Jones, I have a specific question. I want to build a ICF house with ICF floors. I was thinking of doing 2X6 framing on the inside of all exterior walls. Can I do spray foam on the inside of a ICF wall? Will it melt the ICF? I am thinking of doing this for more R value and I don’t want to make websites in the ICF for electrical or plumbing. Also I was thinking of doing spray foam on the ICF for an air tight build for penetrations thru the ICF. Thanks
I did all the electrical first as my walls and ceiling are so thin (container home). The only issue I had is the canless lights because I have no room in the ceiling. I am cutting all the wires out for the lights and switching to a new Halo light system that uses a low voltage wire to connect several lights to one box instead of having a box for each light connected by romex.
Very interesting. I was surprised to see such a high temperature, 53C/127F at 15 amps. A bit of an extreme situation with the sun beating down, but not unreasonably so. I’m sure that’s safe, but I can see why the rating for copper 14 is only 15 amps. I’m also glad to see the spray foam doesn’t just burst into flame. I’d expect some cheaper whiter styrofoam insulation might just do that.
Amazed how the foam didn’t catch fire. Because you hear the legendary tale as follows. Back in the olden days, a homeowner blows a 15 amp fuse. When he replaces it, it blows again after a short time. Unfortunately this time, the homeowner is out of fuses, half the house is dark, the baby is crying, the refrigerator is getting warmer by the hour, and the hardware stores are closed on a Sunday afternoon. So the homeowner removes the blown fuse, slips a penny into the socket (back when pennies were real copper) and screws the fuse back in. The next morning a fire inspector goes through the remains of the house, and finds a scorched fuse box holding the penny.
Foams cure with reaction to moisture, hence spritz water on the surface first. Also, there are VERY few expanding foam can products that really pass the Fire Blocking properties, a huge fail in the various groups that test and certify building materials. DAP FireBreak Flame Resistant Sealant is one, that self-extinguishes when ignited, while most like Great Stuff are just orange versions of the same combustible foam. This article suggests that the quest for better home insulation could very well result in trapping overheating wires and risk of fire.