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spencerin
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 04:56am
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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.....
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Fanman
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 11:45am
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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.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 12:45pm
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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.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 02:21pm
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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.
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spencerin
Member
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 02:59pm
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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.....
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Brettny
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 03:53pm
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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.
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Tim_Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2024 05:46pm
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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
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paulz
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2024 09:16am
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Quoting: Tim_Ohio Use one of these thermostats
Speaking of thermostats, a friend just got one he can control from his phone. Don't know more than that, other than he can turn on or adjust the heat while on the way there!
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2024 09:49am - Edited by: ICC
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Quoting: paulz Speaking of thermostats, a friend just got one he can control from his phone
I have used an Ecobee smart thermostat for about 10 years. I love it! Very programmable and the remote readings and control is excellent. They can be used on most any heating or cooling system that uses a wired wall mount thermostat.
Link
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