sealing around electrical outlets

[cstockdale]

I have my recording space/jam room constructed now. I have used double-wall staggered studs with insulation, and I have to admit I am pretty impressed by how well the sound is isolated, huge dampening of volume outside the room.

I will be treating with numerous panels and bass traps to control the sound in the room, but I would still like to cut some more of the sound escaping. I have heard that all air pathways need to be sealed off. Obviously, anywhere there is a light switch or electrical outlet, light fixture, there are large holes in teh drywall. How do you seal tightly around an electrical outlet without fire hazard? Ie, do just caulk around the plate that covers the outlet/switch, or do you caulk around the junction box in the wall before you put the cover on?

Any suggestions? What product to use?

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by cstockdale

Any suggestions? What product to use?

There are gaskets for exterior (waterproof) outlets, you could use those.

[Rod Gervais]

Well it's too bad your walls are all finished - because the intallation of putty packs are the best route to go (they are good for roughly 40 STC in isolation).

BUT - seeing as that is the case - your best bet would be to use acoustic caulk to carefully caulk the wall to the penetratiing box........

I also hope that you included the proper sealing of all drywall joints and drywall to floor during your construction process.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the room.

Sincerely,

Rod

[frederic]

Plumbers putting behind a metal outlet cover works fairly well.

[Rod Gervais]

Originally Posted by frederic

Plumbers putting behind a metal outlet cover works fairly well.

Frederic,

I can see how it could work well, but I can't find how it's allowed by the NEC - and thus - should there be a problem - a deliberate code violation would be a bad thing.

My reccomendation would be to do the best one can within the confines of the code.

Sincerely,

Rod

[cstockdale]

Thanks. Drywall is well sealed, double layer on both sides of the walls, with seams not overlapping. I have just caulked along the floor , and it is caulked at the ceiling joint too. It is only the switches/outlets where I have some leakage, and I sure wish I knew about putty packs before I did the walls! I will see what I can do in this regard later this week.

[frederic]

Originally Posted by Rod Gervais

I can see how it could work well, but I can't find how it's allowed by the NEC - and thus - should there be a problem - a deliberate code violation would be a bad thing.

Agreed, following code is good. However there is no prohibitation of its use. Plumber's putty is really just clay. it doesn't burn, it doesn't conduction electricity, its inert.

In fact, half the time it doesn't seal drains well either LOL.

If you want to follow code, use an outdoor gasket I guess.

[nuemes]

Would spray foam insulation around the electrical box be a hazard or against code?

[Rod Gervais]

Originally Posted by nuemes

Would spray foam insulation around the electrical box be a hazard or against code?

No - it would not - you can pack around the outside of an outlet box with any insulation material and meet the code requirements - BUT - spray foams make very poor sound isolators due to their lack of mass.

Rod