Spray Foam Insulation Around Electrical Wires

Spray polyurethane foam insulation is professionally installed at the same point in the construction cycle as other types of insulation.

Spray foam insulation around electrical wires.

I recently had a conversation with a couple members of my family who are both electricians. Once cured cut excess foam with a serrated knife as desired. Here s a case for why you should use spray foam over fiberglass insulation. There are two ways to insulate around wires.

Sealing around windows and doors is one of the most common uses for expanding foam. Store or dispose of the product as per directed on label. Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked in great stuff foam cleaner. Store or dispose of the product as per directed on label.

Activate can by pulling the trigger. First you can tear or cut the insulation sheets in half and lay half behind the wire and half in front. A safe practice is to avoid working in the area while spraying is taking place and for a period of time up to 24 hours thereafter as recommended by the spray foam manufacturer. Never allow foam to touch exposed wiring.

Foam should be tack free in 10 to 15 minutes. Medium density foam insulation is comparable to board stock products do not do any wiring while spray foam insulation is being sprayed. Use high expansion spray foam around windows and doors. You can still fill air gaps around the electrical boxes for recessed light fixtures with an appropriately sized gasket.

Invert can and insert it into the gap between wall and electrical box. That is it should be installed after the rough plumbing electrical wiring and heating and air conditioning ducts have been installed but before the interior walls are completed in new construction. There have been failures in the wiring because of the heat that can build up in the covered wires. The key of course is a professional installation so that potential overheating of electrical wires is totally prevented.

In their continuing education class the instructor mentioned that the national electric code is monitoring the use of field applied spray foam and electrical wiring that becomes imbedded in the process. Invert can and insert it into the gap around the wires. If the wire is too tight to the wall to make that easy you have a second option. Foam should be tack free in 10 to 15 minutes.

Activate can by pulling the trigger. Most attic insulation products are installed over and around electrical wiring and spray foam is no exception.