Cables on surface of wall

[VinceK2]

I sent in the following question ten days ago. No responses. Any reason? Is the question too dumb?

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In a previous thread (22 June), I asked about cables exposed on a wall. I probably did not state the question correctly.

I have two 110-volt UF-B cables running more-or-less vertically, starting at about three feet height and going toward the ceiling, which is eight feet high.

The wall USED to be an exterior wall of the house. An attached shed was built that now encloses the wall. Old siding was removed so that the sheathing is exposed. The cables run along the old sheathing (Homasote).

(See the picture. I will neaten up the wiring.

Two questions:

1. OK as-is?

2. If not OK, can the cables be enclosed in Schedule 40 conduit?

I hope I asked the question right this time.

Thanks,

Vince
Attached Thumbnails
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[JJThrasher]

I don't see any picture.

 

[brewchief]

If it were mine I would use conduit for protection, codewise I'm not sure but I believe it needs to be protected from physical damage in some way.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I dont remember for sure and I dont have my code book in front of me to check, but IIRCC, I think UF-B is safe to be exposed UNLESS its subject to damage. Then it will need to be in conduit!

I was gonna respond again to your other thread but totally forgot about it cause theres so many posts on here to respond to!!

 

[kbs2244]

Since it is already installed I would look at something like Wiremold to protect it.

 

[VinceK2]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I'm sorry to be a pest, but I'm looking at a Certificate of Occupancy inspection in a few days and I'm getting nervous about this stuff.

I finally convinced myself to put the surface wiring in conduit, using three strands of 14-guage THHN. How are those wires clamped? Right now they are attached to a GFCI outlet at one end, and wire-nutted to Romex in a box at the other end, where the Romex passes through rafters.

Also, I used offset fittings at each box so that the conduit would lie flat on the wall Is a fiber or plastic bushing needed where the THHN passes through the fitting? (It seems smooth.)

Again, sorry to be such a nudge.

Thanks,

Vince

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I'm sorry to be a pest, but I'm looking at a Certificate of Occupancy inspection in a few days and I'm getting nervous about this stuff.

I finally convinced myself to put the surface wiring in conduit, using three strands of 14-guage THHN. How are those wires clamped? Right now they are attached to a GFCI outlet at one end, and wire-nutted to Romex in a box at the other end, where the Romex passes through rafters.

Also, I used offset fittings at each box so that the conduit would lie flat on the wall Is a fiber or plastic bushing needed where the THHN passes through the fitting? (It seems smooth.)

Again, sorry to be such a nudge.

Thanks,

Vince

There isnt a clamp for the wires in that situation.

What type of conduit did u use? If its metal then u should use a conduit bushing to keep the wires from getting sliced!

 

[VinceK2]

Thanks for the reply.

The conduit is metal. The offet fittings did not come with a bushing (which I would expect if one is needed, but ...), and neither Lowes nor HD have a suitable bushing.

What to do?

Vince

 

[pattenp]

A bushing is not needed in the conduit connector where the THHN enters the j-box. You should deburr the EMT conduit ends though. There are insulated and uninsulated conduit connectors, but I doubt Lowes or HD carry the insulated ones. You do need to use a bushing or whats called a "Red Head" when using metal flexible conduit (MC cable) .

 

[wyliesdiesels]

A bushing is not needed in the conduit connector where the THHN enters the j-box. You should deburr the EMT conduit ends though. There are insulated and uninsulated conduit connectors, but I doubt Lowes or HD carry the insulated ones. You do need to use a bushing or whats called a "Red Head" when using metal flexible conduit (MC cable) .

We always use insulated conduit connectors so we dont have issues. Have had some situations where bushings werent used and the insulation on some wires got sliced!

 

[Thruxton]

A bushing is not needed in the conduit connector where the THHN enters the j-box. You should deburr the EMT conduit ends though. There are insulated and uninsulated conduit connectors, but I doubt Lowes or HD carry the insulated ones. You do need to use a bushing or whats called a "Red Head" when using metal flexible conduit (MC cable) .

Actually, I have been able to find them at HD (but not at Lowe's). Just FYI.