This is the strangest thing I’ve encountered for a long time. Customer has 1/2″ thick expanded beadboard ceiling tiles. I know, mega cheap…..but several places Romex wiring is hanging down against the tiles. Whever the wir econtacts the tile it has “melted” through the foam. No evidence of the wire itself getting hot, all wiring is properly protected with the correct size breaker. Even more baffeling is a 22/4 phone wire, also “melted” into the tile! What’s up with this, anyone ever see this senario? I’d like to be able to give the customer some kind of explanation!
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Replies
Plasticizers in the wire jacket are attacking the foam. Even a piece of paper between wire and foam would prevent this.
I'll vote.....
...with DanH - plasticizers in the wire sheathing jackets are the cultprit. They can do very strange and unexpected things.
Ask any old fisherman who remembers what "rubber" worms did to the trays of tackle boxes. Now all of the tackle boxes have "worm-proof" trays.
Jim