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pbx2_gw

Spray foam a gap by electrical wire run?

pbx2_gw
10 years ago

We live in the south & have an unfinished detached garage which has a 240V outlet that was brought/tapped in from the main house.

I see a little light showing through where the conduit hold the electrical wire is attached to the garage wall.

Can I find some canned spray foam & apply it around there to stop any drafts & bugs & consider it solved?

Comments (9)

  • homebound
    10 years ago

    Sure, but after you use it, the rest of the can will go to waste since it will dry out and get stuck in hose, etc.

    There's a brick of putty you can get in the electrical department, It's about $3. (Might be called duct seal putty). You'll have plenty leftover.

    If you have any caulk lying around, that will work, too.

    This post was edited by homebound on Fri, Jun 14, 13 at 7:51

  • randy427
    10 years ago

    Spray foam will discolor and erode in the sunlight. Caulk and putty are much easier to apply when you want it to look good after you're done.

  • energy_rater_la
    10 years ago

    I'd go the thumb gum route myself.

    there is a fire rated foam for
    around electrical and/or heat producing.
    better safe than sorry.
    also fire rated caulks.

    not a fan of foam myself..little control
    over how it fills, and it shrinks & doesn't
    hold it's seal.

    best of luck.

  • pbx2_gw
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Pardon my ignorance energy_rater_la: but what is thumb gum?

    Thanks all for your feedback.

  • millworkman
    10 years ago

    see attached

    Here is a link that might be useful: GB DUCT SEAL GREY SEALING COMPOUND THUMB GUM

  • pbx2_gw
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks millworkman & all!

    I was afraid you all were using some slang I wasn't aware of. It IS thumb gum after all!

  • millworkman
    10 years ago

    Let google be your friend.

  • pbx2_gw
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Bringing this topic back to life with a followup.

    Used the plumber's putty & it was easy to apply & stick.

    However, been doing some reading: the backside holes for the receptacles mentioned in the OP where it attaches to the exterior unfinished garage wall -
    * Could I have used 100% silicone caulk around the receptacle where air is coming around the edges?

    Also - had some light fixtures attached to the exterior wall on the unfishnished garage & there are the holes behind the backplate that I'd like to air seal -
    * What is the preferred method to fill something about 3/4" in diameter?

  • energy_rater_la
    10 years ago

    how about a couple of pictures?

    fire rated caulk would be my choice,
    next to electrical you don't want to take
    chances.

    best of luck.