PEX and Infrared Light - Small Cabin Forum

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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / PEX and Infrared Light


Author	Message
spencerin Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 04:56 Reply Can PEX be exposed to IR without damaging it? I know it can't be exposed to UV. My Google searching continues to say IR doesn't contain UV, so that sort of answers it, but I can't seem to find a clear, definitive answer to the question itself.....

Fanman Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 11:45 Reply IR is basically heat, at the other end of the spectrum from UV, with visible light in between. If it doesn't make the pex get too hot, you're fine.

Brettny Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 12:45 Reply My UV light has white pex attached directly to the housing. With the lights off you can see the glow. 13yrs with no issues with the pex.

ICC Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 14:21 Reply I believe the main issue is that UV light causes the chlorine inhibitors in PEX to deteriorate. So if no chlorine present, no problem likely. Different PEX mfg can have more or less UV resistance. There is a coding but I forget how that works.

spencerin Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 14:59 Reply I'm toying with the idea of enclosing some PEX that's outside (but blocked from sunlight) in a wood box (possibly insulated, too) and heating it with an IR bulb to keep it from freezing. I'm guessing your typical store-bought IR bulb isn't 100% infrared as you can still see it. Just wondering if shining that on the PEX would break it down. I guess I will have to look into the details about if that particular light I'm looking at emits UV.....

Brettny Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 15:53 Reply Is IR producing more heat than a standard resistance style bulb? What about just useing heat tape? The stuff is prety cheap and thermo regulated.

Tim_Ohio Member	# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 17:46 Reply Use one of these thermostats and it will only be on when temps are below set point. That will minimize exposure and save you some electric. https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Wexstar-Plug-In-Thermostat-for-Portable-Heaters-and-Air -Conditioners-TH-926T/310601904?mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D26P-026_002_AIR_CIRC_ACC-NA- NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-2023&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D26P-026_002_AI R_CIRC_ACC-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-2023-71700000106036630-5870000826 2676758-92700075065923911&msclkid=ed18b44fcdcc158d76a1d37b285ab7c2&gclid=ed18b44fcdcc 158d76a1d37b285ab7c2&gclsrc=3p.ds