The Plastics Pipe Institute has published a new technical document that provides recommended installation practices for PEX piping exposed to indoor artificial lighting. PPI TN-72 “Potential Effects of Artificial Lighting on Crosslinked Polyethylene Pipe and Tubing and Recommended Installation Practices” is available on the association’s website.
Many types of materials can be affected by exposure to certain types of natural and artificial lighting. The effects can manifest as simple color changes, such as fading, or as more significant degradation via oxidation or other mechanisms.
Research indicates that UV must be considered where PEX is installed near all artificial light sources, because after decades of exposure, PEX piping may be adversely affected by ultraviolet emissions from certain artificial light sources. According to PPI, minimum setback distances of 36 inches for residential and light commercial applications and 30 feet for industrial, manufacturing, warehousing and large commercial applications are considered reasonable for all types of artificial light sources.
