this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2023
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Home Improvement

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submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by haulyard to c/homeimprovement
 

Finagled my way into the attic to explore a bit. Found this wiring run that basically lays on the sheet rock with insulation sitting on top. It goes to a light switch that controls three of this thin led recessed lights. Could this get really hot and start a fire with the insulation on top?

edit: breathing easier now. Sounds like this is normal stuff. Thanks for the help!

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[–] pterencephalon 53 points 2 years ago (2 children)

(In tithe US) It's not safe or up to code to cover knob and tube wiring with insulation because that can cause it to overheat and start fires. But this is modern Romex wiring, not 100+ year old wiring. Many wires in your house are running through insulation - like everything in an exterior wall. They're designed for this.

[–] [email protected] 19 points 2 years ago (1 children)

lol I made it half way through your comment and went "That doesn't look like knob and tube! It looks like Romex!" and then literally the next sentence said the same thing.

[–] pterencephalon 5 points 2 years ago

Ha, realizing the oddity of my phrasing in hindsight. My guess was OP had some smidge of a memory hearing that insulating over wire was bad, so thought it would be worth a little context.

[–] haulyard 7 points 2 years ago

Thanks for the insight!

[–] [email protected] 18 points 2 years ago (1 children)

No.

1 - Breaker will go before you can pull too much current through that wire for it to get hot.

2 - LED Lights aren't breaking any breakers.

[–] haulyard 7 points 2 years ago

Appreciate it!

[–] realz 17 points 2 years ago

I don’t subscribe to this community but came here to see if the quality of responses match Reddit’s. Was not disappointed.

Keep up the good work!