Skip to content
  • Register
    • Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
    Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
    Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

    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

    Welcome

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Comments

    • DanHolohan
      DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,632
      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: 24,860
      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.

    Welcome

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Quick Links

    Categories