Air Sealing Electrical Boxes (Expanding Foam.)

[molo]

Hello,

I'm working on a new renovation with new wiring and access to the open framing. I would like to prevent air leakage around all electrical boxes.

One thought I have is to use expanding foam around the outside of the boxes. Is this OK?

Thanks in Advance,
Bill

[jwelectric]

Depends on the foam
read the instructions

[Homeownerinburb]

Hello,

I'm working on a new renovation with new wiring and access to the open framing. I would like to prevent air leakage around all electrical boxes.

One thought I have is to use expanding foam around the outside of the boxes. Is this OK?

Thanks in Advance,
Bill

There are specific foams for closing holes drilled to chase NM thru framing. Look at some of that.

[ss3964spd]

There are specific foams for closing holes drilled to chase NM thru framing. Look at some of that.

Anyone know what this foam is and where it can be found?

[LLigetfa]

Google is your friend. Search for:

fireblock foam electrical

[Homeownerinburb]

Google is your friend. Search for:

fireblock foam electrical

Amen.

I saw rows and rows of it at Home Despot just yesterday.

[molo]

I talked to a rep. at Dow today. They said that their standard "great stuff" foam is OK around electrical boxes and insulated wires. However, it is not OK inside the box or in contact with bare copper.

[Chad Schloss]

if i were you, i wouldn't use the normal great stuff. get the stuff for windows and doors. it does not expand as much and will not push your boxes out of square if you use too much. it will bow window frames if used incorretly, i've done it myself.

[Homeownerinburb]

I talked to a rep. at Dow today. They said that their standard "great stuff" foam is OK around electrical boxes and insulated wires. However, it is not OK inside the box or in contact with bare copper.

I'd definitely try to ask a local electrical inspector.

[Jim Port]

I doubt that fireblock caulk or foam is required. The OP is not sealing fire rated areas, except for maybe floor penetrations and that is only is the floor is a rated assembly.

[Homeownerinburb]

I doubt that fireblock caulk or foam is required. The OP is not sealing fire rated areas, except for maybe floor penetrations and that is only is the floor is a rated assembly.

My concern would be that certain products would be banned as blocks around boxes due to their flammability.