Replies

1. 
   ronbudgell | Dec 12, 2008 12:11am | #1

   Doobz

   They save a lot of fussing compared to wrapping the boxes in VB plastic and trying to make a good seal with that.

   Aren't they used in the US?

   Ron

1. 
   DickRussell | Dec 12, 2008 12:42am | #2

   Lessco is one I know of, if I have the spelling right.Edit: yes, that's it. URL is: http://www.lessco-airtight.com/

   Edited 12/11/2008 4:43 pm ET by DickRussell

1. 
   Doobz26 | Dec 12, 2008 03:12am | #3

   Thanks.  Those are the kind I saw on an episode of Hometime.  Looks like they would have had to go on prior to wiring. I also at one time saw a foam type that you glued to the wall but can't dig up any information on that kind. 

1. 
   ruffmike | Dec 12, 2008 04:30am | #4

   How about lowry pads? Used out here for firewalls and sound transmission.

   http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADBF_enUS280US280&q=lowry+pads                            Mike

       Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.

1. 
   DickRussell | Dec 12, 2008 04:39pm | #7

   I would think that a pad on the back of the electrical box wouldn't be quite as good as having the box mounted inside an outer plastic box like the Lessco. I would think that the sheetrocker's rotozip running around the outside of the electrical box would leave more air leak space around the box than a sticky pad on the back would seal.

2. 
   plumbbill | Dec 12, 2008 05:57pm | #9

   We call them putty pads, & use them for fire protection mainly around ice maker & auto washer boxes.

    

2. 
   tek | Dec 12, 2008 06:29pm | #10

   http://www.energyblock.com/

   Used them the first time this week.  Goes on quick, easy to modify - can't imagine using anything else.  Cost of shipping is included when you order 10.

1. 
   Doobz26 | Dec 12, 2008 07:33pm | #11

   tek.  Thanks.  I remember seeing those somewhere but could not find them anywhere online.  Do you have to install them prior to wiring?

2. 
   tek | Dec 12, 2008 07:51pm | #12

   No problem.  They can go on after the wiring.  You just press the box where its going and the wiring leaves a small impression on the foam.  Pinch out the foam at the wire and install it.  They recommend installing them with latex caulk, but I used some with foam and some with acoustical sealant.

   There was one 2 gang box I had that was tight between studs.  I mounted the switch box, then the foam (had to cut it and half and glue it back with foam) then ran the wires.  That was easy as well.

2. 
   CapnMac | Dec 12, 2008 07:37am | #5

   Aren't they used in the US?

   Depends on "where."

   Here at 29N, the VB goes to the outside where the heat and humidity are 9-10 months of the year (and we want it drier on the inside).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

1. 
   wane | Dec 12, 2008 04:28pm | #6

   Plastic electrical boxes with seals are allot easier than mess'n with vb and tape ..

2. 
   artworks | Dec 12, 2008 04:50pm | #8

   Standard use here north of 49, for all exterior wall electrical except maybe for 2 x 4 wall  ( garages)  ( or double wall systems  with VB between interior and exterior wall  and all ecectrical runs on the interior wall / strapping ) ( standard framing here is 2 x 6 )where they don't let you get enough  insulation behind the box. Some use the foam gasket type plastic box, but they are more $$.

    

   IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE COULD DO IT !

3. 
   Scott | Dec 12, 2008 09:12pm | #13

   What Wane said. For a few more cents per box, you can get ones with foam seals that you push your wire through. The foam keeps a tight seal around the wire. It's WAY less fuss than taping the plastic boots to the vapor barrier.

   Scott.

   Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”