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  1. #1
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    Mar 2007
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    Philadelphia PA
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    Default pipes in hvac return

    What do ya'll make of this? Pipes passing through return air.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Montreal, QC, Canada
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    63

    Default Re: pipes in hvac return

    I know electrical wires thru an HVAC return is ok.

    never ran thru that situation before.

    I am thinking that depending on the use of the pipe and type of material I would not recommend it.

    i.e. hot or cold copper pipe runnin in duct. potential condensation in with the air return to furnace and then being sent thru the house.

    As well as temperature of the portion of the pipe running thru the duct different temp than rest of pipe. What does that do to the service life of the pipe?

    As well as needing to seal up all those holes !!!

    Real mess - just go around it i say.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    28,032

    Default Re: pipes in hvac return

    Quote Originally Posted by John Arnold View Post
    What do ya'll make of this? Pipes passing through return air.
    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Laurieri View Post
    I know electrical wires thru an HVAC return is ok.
    Typically not okay. There are limitations on electrical conductors running through return air ducts and plenums.

    i.e. hot or cold copper pipe runnin in duct. potential condensation in with the air return to furnace and then being sent thru the house.

    As well as needing to seal up all those holes !!!

    Real mess - just go around it i say.
    I agree, just go around, the only way to know if the potential problems exist is to take the duct apart, in which case the pipes may as well be re-routed around the duct.

    Now, a gas like or a DWV line through a return duct - that is a definite no-no.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
    Jack Murdock's Avatar
    Jack Murdock Guest

    Default Re: pipes in hvac return

    Is it a duct or a plenum? It looks like copper water or heat lines and a black steel gas line. There is nothing preventing gas lines through a plenum unless its a local AHJ distinction...


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
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    3,177

    Default Re: pipes in hvac return

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack Murdock View Post
    Is it a duct or a plenum? It looks like copper water or heat lines and a black steel gas line. There is nothing preventing gas lines through a plenum unless its a local AHJ distinction...
    It's a return duct. The black gas line isn't penetrating into the duct.

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  6. #6
    Jack Murdock's Avatar
    Jack Murdock Guest

    Default Re: pipes in hvac return

    John,
    Its OK to run gas water or electrical in a plenum just not through ductwork

    jack


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