Comments on: Is it safe to have exposed electrical wiring in close proximity to a gas boiler?

By: Pat

Pat — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:15:59 +0000

Tell your landlord about your concern and yes if it is hot near the wires and they are just romex type of wiring they are not rated at a high temperature near a boiler if it is more then 140 degrees and if the boiler is hot at that point it can cause the insulation of the wiring to break down.
They should be removed or ran in conduit to protect them for the heat and if ran in conduit it should be a higher rated wire such as THHN the highest rating wire gets and that is good to 194 degrees.
Would be better to re route them and get them away if not fixed soon. Drywall does act as a fire rated wall and takes the heat out to some degree.
References :
Electrical Contractor

By: Irv S

Irv S — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:44:59 +0000

The hazard is sparks not the wiring, and then only in the presence
of gas in the air. (If you smell gas, you’ve got worse worries.)
If the cable jackets are intact and there are no loose connections,
and the wiring is not where it might be accidentally damaged,
it’s not a major concern. Hiding the wires doesn’t change much.
References :
Retired Construction Consultant

By: Charles D

Charles D — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:21:59 +0000

If the insulation is still around the wire it is probably ok. If the copper is exposed it could be dangerous. It is better for them to repair it and be safe.
References :

By: uxtalzon

uxtalzon — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:03:59 +0000

To even ask that question means it's worth fixing. Better safe than sorry.
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