Can the insulation touch electrical wires?
Content
Most homes have thermal insulation in the attic, roof, or attic and this is a great way to reduce heat loss. Less heat loss means lower heating bills. But if you're concerned about touching electrical wiring insulation, you're not alone. When I started my career as an electrician, safety was one of the first things I learned. Can the insulation touch electrical wires? Here are some thoughts on this from my personal experience.
In general, touching the thermal insulation to the wires is not dangerous, since the wires are electrically insulated. Depending on the type of thermal insulation, you can use different ways of laying around the insulation. However, never allow thermal insulation to come into contact with uninsulated live wires.
How can thermal insulation safely touch electrical wiring?
Modern electrical wires are completely insulated. This electrical isolation prevents current from reaching other surfaces in your home. In this way, the hot wire can safely touch the thermal insulation.
What you need to know about electrical insulation
The electrical insulation is made of non-conductive materials. Therefore, these insulators do not pass electric current. Most often, manufacturers use two materials for household electrical wire insulators; thermoplastic and thermosetting. Here are some details about these two materials.
thermoplastic
Thermoplastic is a polymer-based material. As the temperature rises, this material melts and becomes workable. It also hardens as it cools. Typically, a thermoplastic has a higher molecular weight. You can melt and reform the thermoplastic several times. However, the plastic does not lose its integrity and strength.
DID YOU KNOW: High performance thermoplastic starts to melt between 6500°F and 7250°F. We do not use these high-performance thermoplastics to produce electrical wiring insulators.
There are five thermoplastics that are used to make electrical insulating materials. Here are the five thermoplastics.
| Thermoplastic type | Melting temperature |
| Polyvinyl chloride | 212 – 500 ° F |
| Polyethylene (PE) | 230 – 266 ° F |
| nylon | 428 ° F |
| ECTEF | 464 ° F |
| PVDF | 350 ° F |
thermoset
Thermoset plastic is made from viscous liquid resins and the curing process can be completed in several ways. Manufacturers use catalytic fluid, ultraviolet radiation, high temperature or high pressure for the curing process.
Here are some common types of thermoset plastics.
- XLPE (XLPE)
- Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
- Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR)
Types of thermal insulation
There are four different types of insulation most commonly seen in America. Depending on the heating system of the dwelling and the type of construction, you can choose any insulation.
Bulk insulation
Bulk insulation contains unbound materials. For example, you can use fiberglass, mineral wool or Icynene. You can also use cellulose or perlite.
COUNCIL: Cellulose and perlite are natural materials.
Add materials to the attic, floor, or adjacent walls to install bulk insulation. When choosing a synthetic material for bulk insulation, be sure to check the R value. This value may vary depending on the temperature in your area.
DID YOU KNOW: Bulk fiberglass insulation can ignite at 540°F.
Blanket Insulation
An insulation blanket is an excellent element for space between uprights. They consist of thick fluffy sheets that can be used to fill the space between racks or any other similar space. Typically, these blankets are 15 to 23 inches wide. And have a thickness of 3 to 10 inches.
As with bulk insulation, surface insulation is made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, etc. Depending on the material the insulation is made of, it will ignite between 1300°F and 1800°F.
Rigid foam insulation
This type of insulation is new for residential thermal insulation. Rigid foam insulation was first used in the 1970s. It comes with polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, mineral wool and fiberglass panel insulation.
These rigid foam insulation panels are 0.5" to 3" thick. However, if necessary, you can purchase a 6-inch insulation panel. The standard panel size is 4 feet by 8 feet. These panels are suitable for unfinished walls, ceilings and basements. Polyurethane panels ignite at temperatures from 1112°F to 1292°F.
Foam insulation in place
Foamed-in-place insulation is also known as spray foam insulation. This type of insulation consists of two mixed chemicals. The mixture will increase 30-50 times compared to the original volume before the curing process began.
Foamed-in-place insulation is usually made from cellulose, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane. You can install these insulations in ceilings, unfinished walls, floors and many other hard to reach places. At 700˚F, foam insulation ignites.
How to install thermal insulation around wires and cables?
Now you know the four types of insulation that are used in most American homes. But do you know how to install this thermal insulation around the wires? if not, don't worry. In this section, I will talk about it.
How to install loose insulation around wires
Among the methods of thermal insulation, this is the simplest method. No prior preparation is required. Blow the insulation around the wires.
TIP: Bulk insulation is commonly used for ceilings and attic floors. So, you may encounter fixture wires.
How to Install Styrofoam Rigid Insulation Around Wires
First, measure the areas where you plan to install hard foam.
Then cut the rigid foam boards to your measurements and apply a suitable adhesive to the board.
Finally, install them behind outlets and electrical wiring.
How to install insulation around wires
When installing thermal insulation, you will have to make some changes. Blanket insulation is thicker than rigid foam insulation. Therefore, they will not fit into the wiring.
The 1 method
First place the insulation and mark the position of the wires.
Then split the blanket in half until it reaches the marked wire position.
Finally, run the wire through the insulation. If you did everything right, then one part of the insulation will be behind the wires, and the other in front.
The 2 method
As in method 1, place insulation between the studs and mark the location of the wire and socket.
Then, with a sharp knife, cut a slot for the wire and cut off the exit point on the matte insulation.
Finally, install the insulation. (1)
TIP: Use a piece of rigid foam insulation to fill the space behind the outlet. (2)
Summing up
Installing thermal insulation on wires and sockets is a completely safe process. However, the wires must be electrically isolated. Also, the selected thermal insulation should fit your basement or wall. If everything is in order, you can proceed with the installation.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to conduct electrical wiring in an unfinished basement
- Why is the ground wire hot on my electric fence
- What is the wire size for the lamp
Recommendations
(1) insulation - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/types-insulation
(2) foam – https://www.britannica.com/science/foam
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