Posted By cmkavala on 16 May 2010 06:02 AM

I don't think the code can be easily met using the chases, electrical inspectors don't like what they can't see.

The inspector and I both have the same problem, whether we like the code or not we're stuck with it. As far as I understand it, chases in SIP meet the NEC 2008 and I'm not actually expecting a problem in that regard.  It's no worse than a conduit.  With a conduit you can only see the beginning and end.  It both cases it's really hard to imagine that anything untoward happens in the middle since there's no access.

About the only thing that can happen in the middle of a chase is for the wire to be tied together without being in a junction box.  I have seen some strange electrical work in attics where homeowners have modified the wiring.

Posted By Alton on 16 May 2010 10:20 AM
About the only thing that can happen in the middle of a chase is for the wire to be tied together without being in a junction box.  I had seen some strange electrical work in attics where homeowners have modified the wiring.

That would actually be quite a challenge.  I like the SIP chases, but the wires do tend to snag in the EPS whenever they can, like entering and exiting.  With wirenuts, I think you'd tear a new chase.

We did make the mistake yesterday of pulling a 90 (horizontal to vertical chase) - not a good plan.  Next time I'd cut an access at the intersection and pull the wire in to two pulls.  One wire, pull it horizontally and out the access, then vertically up the chase and backfill the access. Or put an outlet there (or box) and pull it as two completely separate sections. 

The chases take a little figuring out - they are a little different - but I don't think that they're enough of a problem to want to take Chris's suggestion and fur-out (although he has other reasons why you might want to do that).

Posted By Alton on 16 May 2010 10:20 AM
About the only thing that can happen in the middle of a chase is for the wire to be tied together without being in a junction box.  I have seen some strange electrical work in attics where homeowners have modified the wiring.

thats exactly what I am talking about, the JB also needs to be accessible

took this today on a job , it is a better depiction

I have wired many SIPS, and the best electrical box i have used is a Union 6070-4. I use a #6 torx screw to fasten it through the ears after drywalling.It is non-metallic, with ears,wings that i don't use,cable clamps if you need them.One thing though,if you use decora devices you have to use a side cutter to pinch out a part of the metal ears for the plate screws.

Posted By lovesgeo on 07 Aug 2010 10:20 PM
I have wired many SIPS, and the best electrical box i have used is a Union 6070-4. I use a #6 torx screw to fasten it through the ears after drywalling.It is non-metallic, with ears,wings that i don't use,cable clamps if you need them.One thing though,if you use decora devices you have to use a side cutter to pinch out a part of the metal ears for the plate screws.

Those look pretty good.  I don't really like the friction clips in some of the other boxes just because they can be a pain to deal with.

For the few we've completed so far we went with the Carlon "Old Work" - with wings and friction clips.  The suggestion from this group of using a double-gang mud ring with a single gang opening screwed to the SIP around the box seems to work well.

Union 6070-4

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am from family, who wants to build a SIP-panels house. Hope you would assist in some of our current issues.

Here they are:

1) We would like to do electrical wiring - hidden electrical wiring. What if we make hidden wiring with gypsum board interior? If OSB's thickness is 12 mm, after OSB there is polystyrene foam in the panel. Should we just deepen it and set wire directly in the foam? Isn't it dangerous regarding fire safety? Or how should we do this?

Also, when we make wire directly in the foam, thus, we reduce insulating layer, deleting foam to install outlets. What about reduction of insulating properties in that case?

If we make wallpaper interior - then what should electrical wiring be like?



Hope you would assist in these questions and provide some specific information about wiring.

Thank you very much in advance,

Rachel