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No PEX within 12\" of recessed lighting?

Paul E.
Paul E. Member Posts: 7
in THE MAIN WALL
Why is it that they say not to install PEX within 12" of recessed lighting? Is it because the lighting might heat/melt the PEX? Or is it a UV thing (light escaping from the can might hurt the PEX?)

On a planned underfloor staple up job, in the basement I have IC rated recessed cans for lighting. Above the cans would be a layer of insulation, then the aluminum plates, then the PEX. I can touch my hand on top of the recessed can without pain <g> - it doesn't seem like the light can is gonna hurt tubing with 130 degree water running through it???

Thanks,
Paul

Comments

  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,598
    Who

    says this?
    Retired and loving it.
  • bruce pirger
    bruce pirger Member Posts: 111


    I believe it is in the Wirsbo design manual...I have read it as well.

    I don't know, but I assume it is fear of heat and a tube actually touching a can and eventually melting.

    That's my guess and assumption.

    If its burried behind insulation...I can't believe its a problem at all. I have it over my cans anyways.
  • Don Robertson
    Don Robertson Member Posts: 43
    sounds familiar

    I recall hearing the same thing. I believe I heard it at Wirsbo factory training. It may have more to do with the high temp affecting the lighting. I'm not sure but I will check my notes and get back to you if I find anything.
  • KCA_2
    KCA_2 Member Posts: 308
    I believe

    It's because of the heat potential. All pex, that we've used, has the same standard as well it's a part of our local code.

    :-) Kca
    :-) Ken
  • Terry
    Terry Member Posts: 186
    safety first?

    would it have something to do wiuth putting waterline over electrical device?

    same reason you do not run your waterlines over your breaker box.

    Terry
  • Paul E.
    Paul E. Member Posts: 7
    Here's the links to RTI's manual -

    For the plumbing pex, top of page 6 they say 12" vertical and 6" horizontal clearance with a little drawing:

    http://www.radiant-tech.com/assets/documents/PlumbingDesignInstall.pdf

    For the heat pex, just one line at the bottom of page 6. No explanation why in either case.

    http://www.radiant-tech.com/assets/documents/HeatingDesignInstall.pdf

    -- Paul
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,187
    The newer style

    can lights are a double wall product with thermal cut out switches. I have noticed these IC's run much cooler than the old style cans.

    If you "over bulb" them they trip the thermal cut outs. Hard to believe you coulcdn't pex within a foot of those, especially with insulation between!

    hot rod
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Rene
    Rene Member Posts: 7
    bonded

    What do you think about bonded pex-pipe with an aluminium coated surface inside. No fear of heat.
    Ciao Rene
  • KCA_2
    KCA_2 Member Posts: 308
    The aluminum

    would do fine, it's the PEX that still has an issue with the heat..

    :-) Kca
    :-) Ken
This discussion has been closed.

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