Isoclima HVAC Line Sets- If it’s used on your project you must read!

Okay, I am going to vent for a moment.  I think this is the first time I have done this on my blog and this has been going since 2015. I am really frustrated with a certain company’s inability to respond to multiple requests to share information on their Isoclima HVAC Line Sets product. At this point, I can only assume that they are not sending me the requested information because it would incriminate them.  I could be wrong, but I am very suspicious at this point. 

Have you ever seen this material on your jobsite?  I’m talking about the white foam that is going through the wall in the picture here.

This is an HVAC line set called Isoclima HVAC Line Sets or Isopolar. You can check it out here.  During a recent site walk, we ran into this.  I had never seen it before, so obviously I had heaps of questions.   I figured it would be simple, contact the manufacturer and get the information we need.

What information do we need?

We know there’s a small copper tube inside the insulation, but it’s unclear what type of foam material it is. Without this information, we cannot identify which UL Listed detail to use. The concerning part is that this insulation may not have undergone any testing. Even more concerning, some insulation types cannot be firestopped because they will not pass the fire test. (ASTM E814).

I thought it would be easy—just email the company to ask what insulation material they use. Did they test it for flame spread and smoke development? Did they test it to ASTM E814?  Three simple questions that let me know how to move forward.

The problem, is that the manufacturer has not responded. I have emailed them once a week for the last four weeks and I receive an automated email response thanking me for my query. I have four of them sitting in my in-box but not a single response to the questions I posed.

That leads me to believe they haven’t tested it to ASTM E814, meaning there are no firestop details. That’s not a huge deal; we just need proper paperwork from the firestop manufacturer. However, they will require the insulation material details, which we can’t provide because the company that knows has been unresponsive.

If you find this material on your jobsite, do not use it until you confirm that you can firestop it through a rated assembly. Bear in mind I am not saying that you CAN’T use this.  I’m just saying, without the proper documentation, you are creating a tremendous position liability.  As you make this choice you should also be aware that some of these foam insulations are incredibly flammable. Which makes me want to snag a scrap and see what happens when you try to light it.   If I manage to get sample and do my test, I will keep you posted.  If you decide to do this, be sure to have a fire extinguisher and/or a bucket of water and remove anything combustible from the test area.  Be safe, but let me know what the results are.

If you find something new on your jobsite and want firestop guidance, send me photos and details. We’ll share them with others.

All the best and thanks for checking in with us!