Insulation behind breaker box

   / Insulation behind breaker box #1  

yanmars

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2009
Messages
1,054
Because I saw another insulation post I thought I could ask one here. I have 2x6 stud walls. The breaker box is about 3 inches deep so there is a gap of about 2 inches or more behind it without insulation. This is on an exterior wall of the house but inside of course. Can I put insulation behind the box, foam or fiberglass or is that a safety issue?
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box #2  
Pack fiberglass behind it , not too tight, though. Fluff, don’t stuff.
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box #3  
Insulate it...

Our insulation contractor insulates behind the panels on all our projects... Inspectors would call us out on it if it didn't have any, even though it won't meet code for required R-value, they want to see it there.
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box #4  
I use rockwool behind electric panels, you can buy small quanties online. Or go to ZORO.com or McMaster-Carr and buy a 2x4 sheet and cut and stack to the thickness you want.
Rock wool is harder to distort in tight places and because of this it maintains its R-Value.
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box #5  
I used fiberglass with a vapor barrier to keep condensation from forming on the back of the panel. It's worked fine for 40 years now.
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box #6  
If you’re trying to install a breaker panel flush in a 2x6 wall, you have more than just the box to contend with, regarding wall insulation. You have to consider, where and how all the wiring is going to pass through the insulation to and from the panel.
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thanks for the ideas.
 
   / Insulation behind breaker box #8  
Rock wool is fireproof, sound proof and an execllent insulation

willy
 

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