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Posted By: Old Town Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/20/05 07:38 PM
I need to run a 120V receptacle circuit and a 3/4" stub up for low voltage down a chimney space. They (the owner) say the chimney is built with double wall flue with 8-10" airspace, and then then the two courses of brick. I have no idea what the ambient temp would be in this chase. Sounds easy enough. Has anyone here ever done this? I have seen receptacles on masonary hearths but they were all new construction, never old work.

Thanks in advance.

Ty

[This message has been edited by Old Town (edited 12-20-2005).]
Posted By: SvenNYC Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/20/05 07:41 PM
*text removed by original poster -- wrong thread*

[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 12-20-2005).]
Posted By: jwhite Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/20/05 08:01 PM
are you talking about between the flue and the brick? My guess is that it would be hot.
Posted By: Old Town Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/20/05 08:22 PM
Yes, it will be between the flue and the brick. I am starting to wonder if I want to do this one or not. I don't think the ambient temp will really get that hot, but I am not sure.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/20/05 08:47 PM
I don't think you have enough information to make an informed decision. If there is no draft stopping and ambient air can follow the conduit up the chimney space I would not expect much temperature rise but if this is only open at the top your mileage will vary, based on how much makeup air could displace the hot air that exits.
It may not get hot enough to support combustion but you have to start derating at 86f/30c.
At a combined temp (ambient plus I2R heating) of 90c/194f your THHN insulation may start failing.
Posted By: renosteinke Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/21/05 01:00 AM
I'm not sure, but it seems to me that putting anything in that air-space would violate the fire code. I think that space must be kept absolutely clear.
Posted By: ShockMe77 Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/21/05 01:35 AM
I have never run any type wire on the inside of a chimney.

Never.
Posted By: Old Town Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/21/05 03:34 AM
Update:

I removed a brick above the mantle and I found this:
Behind the brick , a 2 1/2" space between the brick and sheetrock. Behind the sheetrock is an additional 8" and then a double flue setup. I can easily run flex behind the brick. What do y'all think. Thanks in advance.

Ty
Posted By: DougW Re: Inside A Chimney Chase - 12/21/05 06:45 AM
[fallback answer] Check with your AHJ [/fallback answer]

I have no idea how hot it would get in there, but I'd consider using 90 degree C wire instead of 75.
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