- Author
-
Beausoliel, R. W.
|
Clifton, J. R.
|
Meese, W. J.
- Title
- Effects of Thermal Insulation on Electrical Connections and Outlet Boxes. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- Department of Energy, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 81-2220,
April 1981,
52 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
-
insulation
|
corrosion
|
humidity
|
thermal insulation
- Abstract
- When residential walls are retrofitted with "foamed-in" urea formaldehyde or "blown-in" cellulose thermal insulations, the insulation may enter electrical outlet and switch boxes. The effects of these thermal insulations on the durability of electrical components were studied. These studies were carried out 44,75, and 96 percent relative humidities with test periods between one and twelve months. Laboratory test methods were developed and tests performed to determine the electrical and corrosive effects of urea formaldehyde and cellulose thermal insulation contained closed-glass vessels at ambient temperatures. These tests were of an exploratory nature and did not cover all of the conditions that would exist in a residential wall. The testing methods are described in this report and the results are presented and interpreted. Results indicate that these thermal insulations can cause significant corrosion of electrical components and can cause shock hazards and increased energy losses. It is concluded that these thermal insulations should be removed from electrical outlet and switch boxes.