This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Expanding foam and PVC cable

Does expanding spray foam (the stuff that comes in cans for gap filling) damage PVC cable?


I have a small section on my ring main which is in contact with it, unfortunately I cannot access it as its under the shower tray!




Parents
  • If this is twin and earth cable with an outer jacket, and not just insulated single cores, I'd not be that worried. Depending on the formulation of the foam and it's propellant, it may embrittle the outer jacket a bit, so if ever the foam is dug out, there may need to be a cable replacement, but then there may be anyway, depending how it is dug out, a problem for the future.

    However, the inner cores will not be damaged, and even if they to became brittle, they cannot be flexed in side the foam, so the risk is minimal.

    There certainly are foams, probably the majority, that are no issue at all, we use them to encapsulate certain types of wiring when resin would be too heavy.

    IF the exposed cable is already running hot, then there may be a concern that the foamed section cannot dissipate its heat so easily but that is unusual in a domestic setting.

    Mike.
Reply
  • If this is twin and earth cable with an outer jacket, and not just insulated single cores, I'd not be that worried. Depending on the formulation of the foam and it's propellant, it may embrittle the outer jacket a bit, so if ever the foam is dug out, there may need to be a cable replacement, but then there may be anyway, depending how it is dug out, a problem for the future.

    However, the inner cores will not be damaged, and even if they to became brittle, they cannot be flexed in side the foam, so the risk is minimal.

    There certainly are foams, probably the majority, that are no issue at all, we use them to encapsulate certain types of wiring when resin would be too heavy.

    IF the exposed cable is already running hot, then there may be a concern that the foamed section cannot dissipate its heat so easily but that is unusual in a domestic setting.

    Mike.
Children
No Data