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Electrical Wiring for a SIP Panel Home
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By Dave Rongey
Summary: An introduction to installing electrical wiring with SIP panels and some of the great insulation values these panels provide. |
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The Basics of Building with Structured Insulated Panels<
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Integrating Electrical Wiring
While there are some specific techniques that electricians and sub-contractors will need to become familiar with, building with SIPs will not create a significant roadblock in your construction and are definitely worth your consideration.
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Most SIP Panels provide standard 1 1/2” diameter electrical chases at 16” and 45” from the floor. Vertical chases are located 4’ on center. Special chases can also be installed into SIP Panels (i.e. for home theatres, special appliance and/or tool needs). Wiring is simply pulled through the chases during the construction process. |
SIP Panel Preparations and Wire Pulling
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. Bring your "home run" wire up through the sole plate and out the access hole. Pull enough wire out to go past the first receptacles or switch outlet. Bend a 4" to 6" loop at the end of the wire and push the wire horizontally down the chase to the last outlet. Leave 12" sticking out and pull a 12" to 14" loop out of each outlet. From below, pull down on the wire at the "home run" location until the wire is tight. Make as many runs as needed, not to exceed 3 for #12 or 4 for #14 per electrical chase. When done, spray low expanding foam in the access hole and put the cut out piece back. |
Insulation Values and Energy Efficiency Insulation Value of Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
R-Value is a measure of a material's resistance to thermal movement. The higher the number the better the material is at insulating. According to the Dept. of Energy, thermal breaks such as corners, windows, doors, and stud walls dramatically reduce the stated R-Value of virtually every product on the market except SIPs. As an example, a 2x6-stud wall 24” OC with R-19 fiberglass bats has an R-Value of 13.7. A six-inch SIP wall has an R-Value of 24.7. Simply put, a 6" SIP wall out performs a 6" stud wall by 58%. SIPs have the following ratings, as viewed in the image (below)... |
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Energy Efficiency of Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
The energy efficiency of an entire wall assembly has been documented by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The testing method takes into account energy losses for the structural members, corners, joints and around windows, not just the value of the insulation. Results of these tests are shown below: |
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