Hello, just wondering if anyone had any opinions on safe distance from a wood stove. I'm installing in floor radiant in between the subfloor and the hardwood. I'm planning on putting a wood stove in to use occasionally. As along as I keep the hearth the dimensions listed in the install manual and keep the pex outside of that would that be ok? I just don't want a melted pipe or anything. Thanks!

Yes, if your PEX is filled with water then melting won't be an issue outside the hearth zone, and if it got to the point that the PEX did melt - that would be the least of your worries at that point

Posted By Chris Johnson on 16 Dec 2017 11:26 PM
Yes, if your PEX is filled with water then melting won't be an issue outside the hearth zone, and if it got to the point that the PEX did melt - that would be the least of your worries at that point

Is this because the hydronic fluid would flow the heat away via convection? 

That is to say; sending the heat down the tube at a rate rapid enough to keep the PEX in the safe zone.

In short, heat would be transferred out of the immediate slab area and kicked on down the line?

Are these hydronic systems always on and pumping fluid? 

Do they ever shut off and allow the fluid to stagnate?

In the off position will the fluid still absorb heat, and still transfer it further down the line by conduction alone?

The hydronic fluid in the PEX is tempering the stove heat with it's mass and absorbing heat because it is cooler than the stove, yes?

Sorry, I just had a big cup of coffee and it's kicking in.

Image- Hot Pot

Let's go with the K.I.S.S. rule

The hearth has been designed for the prone area, that's is why a hearth is the size it is, outside the hearth is not a concern

Should the pex melt while filled with water, whether circulating the water or not, then chances are the house is on fire and everything is burning at that point