Electrical Codes and the InSoFast Panels
InSoFast panels are designed for use with Romex® (NM sheathed wire), MC Flex, AC Flex, or rigid metal conduit.
InSoFast wiring chases are located 1¼” below the surface of the panel (National Electric Code – NEC Article 330-4d and 300-41a) and are designed to keep the wiring safely within the panel without the use of protective metal plates. The chases are spaced 16″ o.c. vertically and 24″ o.c. horizontally. This offers the same protection as a wire running through the center of a 2×4 wall.
Electrical installation instructions
Locate the position of the outlet box against and press the box against the InSoFast panel to create a mark. Cut out the foam at least ½” larger on all sides than the impression. While a tight-fitting electrical box would look nice, it is better to have extra room to seal around the outlet box with expanding foam.Cut out the foam with a snap-off blade knife. Continue to cut out to the nearest horizontal or vertical chase. The vertical chases are centered directly between the InSoFast studs and are indicated by a line on the front side of the panel. The horizontal chases are located at the top of each panel.
To make things easier and give you extra room to work with the wiring, cut the opening up to the horizontal chase way. Alternately if homeruns or larger openings are needed the foam can be cut back to the studs and completely removed.
Making Cut-outs for New Outlet Boxes
Making Cut-outs for Existing Boxes
Professional Tool for Cut-outs
Hot Knifes Specialty tool link
Wiring transitions to frame walls
To transition from an InSoFast wall to a frame wall locate the horizontal or vertical raceways in the InSoFast panel. Locate the stud punch out over the open raceway in the InSoFast panel pull wire through. Follow standard code approved installation procedures. Fill any gap around all the electrical cuts or openings with the expanding foam.
Installing Outlet Boxes
Press the InSoFast panel in place over the existing outlet to indent the back of the panel. Cut about ½” to 1″ larger than the indentation. If there is conduit, repeat the process to accommodate the conduit. If you have problems seeing the indentation for the conduit, you can mist the conduit with spray paint. This will transfer to the back of the InSoFast panel highlighting the area to be removed. Cut out with router or utility knife. Glue the panel into place and fill in gap around the electrical box with the expanding foam. Box extenders can be used with existing electrical boxes.
Secure electrical boxes directly to the concrete wall with adhesive or a mechanical fastener. Once securely fastened to the wall, fill the extra space around the box with expanding foam. The foam air and water seals the electrical. All of our recommendations are based on National Codes requirements. Please check with your local building departments for local amendments.
Rigid Metal Conduit
If the plans call for using rigid metal conduit, install the ½” metal conduit at the same height all the way around the project. The first horizontal run is located 23” high from the base of the panel. The vertical raceways are 16” on center. Use box offsets so that the conduit is setting tight against the concrete wall.
You can cut the InSoFast panels as needed to align the horizontal chase way with the metal conduit. The cut off portion can be used at the top of the wall. This method utilizes the tongue and grooves to their best potential.
Running Wiring
Romex® type wiring is simple to install. Individual runs can be pushed or slid through the horizontal or vertical chase ways up to 12′ from box to box or up into the floor system.
If you have any difficulties sliding the wire through the chase way, bend over the end of the Romex® wiring.
The use of a fish tape is generally not required unless pulling multiple wires at one time. If you wish to eliminate the fish tape, slide one wire through and then tape the multiple wires on.
Metal flex conduit, MC Flex, or AC Flex installs in the same manner as Romex wiring.
E3802.1 Installation and support requirements
Wiring methods shall be installed and supported in accordance with Table E3802.1.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS |
| Where run parallel with the framing member or furring strip, the wiring shall be not less than 11/4 inches from the edge of a furring strip or a framing member such as a joist, rafter or stud or shall be physically protected. (InSoFast panels raceways satisfy the required protection of 1¼”) |
| Bored holes in framing members for wiring shall be located not less than 11/4 inches from the edge of the framing member or shall be protected with a minimum 0.0625-inch steel plate or sleeve, a listed steel plate or other physical protection.( Raceways that are running through InSoFast studs do not require steel plates because they meet the 1 ¼” depth requirement) |
| Where installed in grooves, to be covered by wallboard, siding, paneling, carpeting, or similar finish, wiring methods shall be protected by 0.0625-inch-thick steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent, a listed steel plate or by not less than 11/4-inch free space for the full length of the groove in which the cable or raceway is installed.(InSoFast panels are engineered with a groove that forms a raceway with the required protection or “free space” of 1 ¼” along the full length of the groove) |
| Securely fastened bushings or grommets shall be provided to protect wiring run through openings in metal framing members. (InSoFast panels have no metal or sharp edges) |
| The maximum number of 90-degree bends shall not exceed four between junction boxes.(This does not apply to NM or Romex® wiring) |
| Bushings shall be provided where entering a box, fitting or enclosure unless the box or fitting is designed to afford equivalent protection. (does not apply to NM or Romex® wiring) |
| Ends of raceways shall be reamed to remove rough edges. (Raceways of InSoFast panels have no metal or sharp edges ) |
| Maximum allowable on center support spacing for the wiring method in feet. (The raceways of InSoFast panels provide continuous confinement and support for wiring) |
| Maximum support distance in inches from box or other terminations. (NM or Romex® wiring must be secured in place within 8” of boxes without cable clamps. Securing wiring with expanding foam adhesive (Great Stuff®) satisfies this requirement) |
