Cable deterioration

[Mark52]

Does cable deteriorate when in contact with expanding foam in the same way as if in contact with polystyrene? Are there any other materials which can cause similar damage? Thanks.

 

[bernardgreen]

Yes

Some early cavity wall foam all be dissolved the PVC on cables. If the mixture was wrong in the injectors ( too much hardener ? ) the cable was damaged very quickly.

Expanding foam may not be as agressive on PVC but I wouldn't risk it.

Also the cable is then very well thermally insulated and the max current rating is reduced.

 

[Mark52]

Thanks, are there any other materials to avoid, mortar for example.

 

[davy_owen_88]

If you are running cables through an external wall it's a good idea to line the hole with some plastic conduit to prevent chaffing on the rough brick and to prevent contact with any wall insulation.

I don't think mortar has any negative effects on PVC, at least not when it is dry.