Electrical Wiring for a SIP Panel Home

By Dave Rongey
Summary: An introduction to installing electrical wiring with SIP panels and some of the great insulation values these panels provide.

The Basics of Building with Structured Insulated Panels
	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.

	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 In commercial construction, wiring is pulled through conduit. "Chases" or channels are built into the foam cores of a SIP panel that work like conduit. Electricians use a fish tape and feed the wires through panel chases without compressing insulation or drilling through studs. Prior to installing wall panels, it is best to know the location of the "home run". This is the wire that goes from the service panel to an area that is served by one circuit. At this location, a 1 1/2" hole is drilled at the center of the sole plate through the sub floor or panel floor. This is done for all home run circuits. When ready to wire, cut out all receptacles and switches first. At the "home run" location measure 16" and 45" from the floor. Cut a 2" deep by 8" by 8" hole centered on the vertical and horizontal chase. Insert a flat bar 1" to 2" in the saw kerf and pry the hole out. Save this piece
. 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)...

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:

Electrical Question or Comment

Electrical Question

click here to ask a question

Comment

click here to leave a comment

Be Sure to Get Your Copy Today! The Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Home Electrical Wiring Book Complete with Practical Hands On Wiring Instructions Loaded with On the Job Electrical Pictures and Wiring Diagrams Great Help for Wiring a Green Home

Top of Page

» How To Wire It RIGHT!«

Comments
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU!
Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts

I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.
George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania

I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring.
Bill, from New York City, New York

This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first.
Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going.
Mike, from Chicago, Illinois

Read more Comments

Leave a Comment

Home Electrical Wiring

All home electrical wiring projects should be performed correctly by trained and qualified individuals who understand the principles of electrical circuit wiring and the basic fundamentals of home construction. Detailed information is provided throughout areas of this website about the complexity of specific projects to help assist with you to understand the scope of work involved.
The following categories will provide more specific information for each project - below is an Example:
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety:
Identify the electrical circuits found in the project area, turn them OFF and Tag them with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.