Gas Hazard?

garyttu

I cut holes for some recessed lighting in my ceiling. The lights are 6" cans and are IC for sitting directly against insulation. The problem is I noticed pretty much exactly on the can hole edge is some copper colored piping probably leading from the furnace in the attic to the adjoining kitchen. I can't slide the hole over because of a joist so I am stuck placing the can directly against this copper colored tubing which is at about 1/2 way up the can height.
The question is this- Is this a fire/electrical/gas hazard? My guess is that since the can is IC rated and can sit against insulation it doesnt get hot enough to start a fire so it shoudn't be an issue. The electrical housing for the can is contained in a closed box as can be slid away from the tubing at least 8"-12" or so....
Any thoughts?

oddjob

I'm sure there's a code that addresses this, but right off hand copper directly touching another dissimiliar metal would cause me concern,

Marlin

It will definatly not cause a gas problem as copper pipe is not used for gas. The chances of an electrical of fire problem are also slim to none. The only way that could happen is if a leak occurred and the water created a short or electrified your plumbing.

That said copper pipe should never sit against dissimilar metals, that is why straps for copper pipe are copper. Steel straps over the years will corrode the copper and eventually cause a leak. Your lamp will probably do the same thing over time. It could be ten years, it could be sixty but it will happen.

shawn T

Copper pipe is used for LP gas. If you have propane for heating there would be some cause for concern, otherwise its probably either water or a condensate pipe from your evap coil. If you feel uneasy about it you could wrap the pipe where it touches with some electrical tape.