[Bad Habits]

Hey IC-

So I'm insulating a room right now, and I had a couple questions.

First, is it safe to tape over a wall plate with HVAC foil tape? I'm using two kinds: Nashua 367-17 ("367-17 is a 17mil, aluminum foil backed tape, primarily used for a sealing system for use with flexible air ducts and air connectors") and Nashua 324A ("Cold Weather Foil Tape provides a permanent, flexible seal. It is recommended for application on UL-listed fiberglass duct board and flexible duct systems.")

I ask because I think someone told me they are electric conductive, so it might be a bad idea?

Second question is about insulating and taping over an in-wall mount heater in the room. I believe it is 3000w and runs on a 20 amp circuit, and has a little dial thermostat above it. I don't plan on using this in my grow at all, so I turned the 20 amp switch off in the breaker, and made sure it didn't turn on when I turned the dial. Is there any concern with taping over it with foil tape? I guess my main concern would be some kind of weird scenario where the breaker for it gets turned back on somehow.

Some pics:



Any input would be much appreciated!

[Swollencalyx]

As long as the foil tape doesn't make contact with any electrical components you'll be fine. As for the heater if you're confident that the thermostat is turned all the way down and even that breakers off. Board her up. Just remember why that breakers off. Write yourself a note if you have to and stick it in the panel and put a piece of tape over the breaker.
Cheers. Be safe
SC

[Bad Habits]

Originally Posted by Swollencalyx

As long as the foil tape doesn't make contact with any electrical components you'll be fine. As for the heater if you're confident that the thermostat is turned all the way down and even that breakers off. Board her up. Just remember why that breakers off. Write yourself a note if you have to and stick it in the panel and put a piece of tape over the breaker.
Cheers. Be safe
SC

Thanks for the reply man!

Today my hvac guy came by and he said the outlets should be fine as long as they're properly grounded (he's not an electrician but has done a lot of electrical work apparently). Dunno if they're properly grounded at the moment, but I am installing GFCIs in all the prefurnished outlets in the room as an extra precautionary measure.

[Swollencalyx]

Ps sorry about the creepy emojis my iPad went on hiatus.

[GrowerGoneWild]

Put those plastic plug blocks things for kids, then tape over it. That will keep everything out.

[Swollencalyx]

You could also do Gfci breakers in the panel. That way it would protect the whole circuit or rooms. It would probably be cheaper then 5-10 GFCIS

[rives]

If this is a temporary setup, what you are talking about for the receptacle is ok, but kind of makes my skin crawl. As far as the heater goes, why not disconnect the wires from the breaker and tape them off? It's not at all uncommon to flip breakers on when trying to troubleshoot a problem, particularly if the panel is poorly labeled.

If it is a permanent setup, it is illegal to cover anyplace where wiring connections are made - there has to be some kind of access to them.