Romex and Steam pipes

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Low-pressure steam pipes are WAY below the flash point of paper--approximately 454°F.

p.s. As far as I can find, the flash point of the asphalt-based product used to make kraft paper a vapor retarder is required to be at least 500°F.

DM_2

Romex and Steam pipes

I'm having some electrical work done and I noticed that some of the new romex wiring is coming very close to and probably touching some of my uninsulated steam pipes.
Does anyone know if this is o.k..
Thanks,
Dave

Steamhead

No it's not

insulate your pipes or have the wires rerouted.

DM_2

What about insulation with paper backing. Can the paper come in contact with the pipes?
Dave

Ken_8

Yes.

If the steam pipes are insulated and the romex touches the insulation's outer paper wrap that is fine. The thermoplastic of both the conductors and the sheathing of romex is not suitable for 200° service. As per the NEC (national electrical code), which is probably the only nationally recognized code without a challenger...

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Empire_2

Ken

So in other words,...after a period of time you can expect to be the new Chevy Chase Lampoons Christmass? Only if Grandma turns on the switch and you have checked all the cords....:) That is, if the romex is touching exposed pipe. Sorry if I was out-a-line but it was there for the taking.
Mike T.