What is this on my fridge? (Photo)

ripplyuk

I just got this new fridge freezer and I’m not sure what this white polystyrene is for. It has cable ties round it. Is it packing material to protect it in transit? Should I remove it? 

FreeBear

Looks like insulation for the copper pipe inside. Removing it would affect the performance, so leave it in place.

twopenny

It looks like packaging material to me.
I'd expect insulation to be fixed and all over the pipe. Also polystyrene foam is flamable 
Give the company a. ring and ask.

ripplyuk

I rang the company. They said they don’t know 😕

It’s a Bosch, if that helps. Maybe someone else here will have one. 

Ectophile

It looks like normal pipe lagging wrapped around the pipe to me.  Just the same as the pipes in a loft.

ripplyuk

There’s a smaller pipe right next to it which is roasting hot. It’s a bit worrying if this is flammable. The polystyrene also doesn’t cover the full length of the copper pipe it’s on. There’s a lot of the pipe exposed further up. 

donemedosh

It could be insulation cover if so it is not fitted well. It could also be for protection when in transit. On the instruction manual does it mention removing it in the installation section if not i would leave it alone

Upzeecreek

Have you read the instruction booklet? It will normally say at the start how to install and if it needs to be removed? 

another_casualty

You tube do many "unboxing " videos . If you have model no, it may be on there ..

Ganga

I would not expect insulation /packaging that needs to be removed before use to be cable tied on to a pipe ,if it was held be tape maybe .we have just bought a Bosch oven and it states in the op book what cardboard ,packing etc to remove before using so as has been said have a read of the installation instructions.

grumbler

twopenny said:

I'd expect insulation to be fixed and all over the pipe.

It's not always possible to do it this way.

Also polystyrene foam is flamable 

It's polyethylene, not polystyrene, but still flammable. The same foam, usually grey in colour, is used for insulating domestic hot water pipes.

ripplyuk said:

There’s a smaller pipe right next to it which is roasting hot. It’s a bit worrying if this is flammable.

Then this foam is likely to insulate a cool pipe inside from the hot one.