[Mitch0041]

Just curious how many of you install vapour barrier around your panels when they’re inserted into the wall? I feel it’s a good idea, but most pictures I’ve seen doesn’t have any.

 

[wcord]

Never recess in an outside wall, but if you do, then you would have to vapor barrier it.

 

[Navyguy]

I would say it is a good idea, but in most cases impossible. I agree with @wcord you do not want to penetrate the envelope so it should be surface mounted on the exterior wall. If you try to recess on an exterior wall, there is no room for the tub and insulation, so there is not much sense to try to put in a vapour barrier as it would be ineffective. You would be better to insulate as close to the tub as possible and then create some sort of insulated space around the panel.

Cheers
John

 

[Mobius87]

The only time I do it is usually in a detached garage or something similar, and only if the customer absolutely has to have it in the wall. Then yes, as much insulation as can fit behind it in the wall (without compressing the insulation obviously), and then vapour barrier around the panel.

 

[SWDweller]

Never saw the sense in it. There are all those condiuts your installing from every direction. What about them?

 

[dogleg]

2x6 walls we put 2" foam(high density) works great.. 2x4 walls try to avoid recess panel ,

 

[Camproadninja]

When I've had to do it I get the Carpenters to put rigid foam insulation from floor to ceiling and the put the vapor barrier against the rigid foam tucked in from floor to ceiling and stapled in tight againsts the studs and top plate. This way it's a least out or your way to run your circuits and the carpenters can come in after and decently seal it up. Learned the hard way trying to put a bag around it and it's a nightmare and just gets thrashed running all your conductors.

 

[joe-nwt]

In my jurisdiction, recessed in an outside wall is considered an "other undesirable location" by the AHJ and forbiden.

 

[deltasparky]

Vapour barrier panel in wall for new construction. Mostly it’s just a chunk of vapour barrier cut to fit and contractor will leave me a chunk of foam board insulation to put behind. No if it’s re/re or upgrade as it’s compromised already and don’t open up enough to fix.

 

[!Tom]

2x6 walls we put 2" foam(high density) works great.. 2x4 walls try to avoid recess panel ,

I did it on a 2x4 wall and they had to build out a tiny section on the outside to get the R value. I felt pretty bad. I had been doing it inside walls so long the building code changed on me.

 

[Tony Ankles]

Just curious how many of you install vapour barrier around your panels when they’re inserted into the wall? I feel it’s a good idea, but most pictures I’ve seen doesn’t have any.

Recessed panels on exterior walls must have a vapour barrier. At least in BC. I don’t believe it is an electrical code rule but it is a building code rule. This also applies to media panels. It’s not that hard, there is usually poly on site that someone won’t mind sharing. I like to leave excess length at the top so that I can drape it over the front of the panel during construction phase so the cover doesn’t get all scratched up and dust doesn’t get all over the equiment.