Another carport style building insulation question.

[MistrGoodwrench]

Let me ask you guys this, which comes first, spray foam insulation or running the electrical wires? I've read both in various places. I'm thinking insulation first so my wires are not all covered. I'm putting 2" in the ceiling and 1.5" on the walls (closed cell) so there's still room to run the wires and boxes and switches etc. Will probably be putting 1x4 firring strips horizontal against the metal legs and attaching plywood walls.

Here the wiring would have to be done first and left exposed for inspection.

 

[Andersonst]

Here the wiring would have to be done first and left exposed for inspection.

If you sprayed first the wires would be exposed and not covered. Are you saying that in your area every time you run a new wire, switch, outlet whatever that you have it inspected? According to an inspector I asked here, they're just going to be inspecting the main feed from the source to the building and the panels, not the individual wires/fixtures within the building.

 

[MistrGoodwrench]

If you sprayed first the wires would be exposed and not covered. Are you saying that in your area every time you run a new wire, switch, outlet whatever that you have it inspected? According to an inspector I asked here, they're just going to be inspecting the main feed from the source to the building and the panels, not the individual wires/fixtures within the building.

If none of the wiring got covered up, I guess that's correct. I'll have to ask. I doubt mine will inspect every outlet, they'll just want to see if the wire is exposed, in conduit or metal clad.

 

[Andersonst]

Give you guys an update. I had the whole thing sprayed. I payed for 2 inches on the ceiling and 1.5 on the walls, the guys actually sprayed about 3 on the ceiling and 2.5 on the walls, I'm not complaining. They did a great job, I didn't want it to look like **** so they covered all the places I asked them to and it don't look bad at all, at least as good as foam can look. I'll be covering the walls up to 9.5 feet so the only thing showing will be the top of the wall and the ceiling. Now if I can only get an electrician to show up.












 

[Zeke]

Wires. What wires? You have either cable or conduit. I would want conduit if it's buried. Cable would have to be protected, just another step that you'd have to do. There are no "wires" unless you're doing knob and tube. Still has to be protected even if the code would let you use K&T. And it can't be covered with insulation.

What I don't know and can't find any conclusive information on is if foam itself is considered 'protection' over NM-B cable. some say scrape away the foam, so no protection. Some say it's OK to bury it if the manufacturer can verify that the type of foam used won't attack the cable sheath. And then there's the heat build-up issue.

Conduit first for me.

 

[Mike65]

When we had our 24x25' metal garage built February 2022 I sealed the concrete floor, then we had the electrical done, then spray foam installed.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Now if I can only get an electrician to show up.












You foamed BEFORE running wire? Can't wait to hear the responses you get from electricians-

 

[Andersonst]

Easy guys....yes it's all in conduit and the only wires run at the moment are for the lights on the ceiling and partially for the ceiling fans.

 

[Andersonst]

And the only thing I need an electrician for is to attach from source to box, I'll do everything else. The insulation will not be an issue.

 

[Zeke]

You weren't clear.