Cleanest way to run wire from panel box into sheetrock ceiling?

[yzman720]

I have a panel I am mounting in a basement garage with concrete walls. The ceiling is going to be sheetrocked and I am kicking around ideas for the cleanest look for the house wires going up into the ceiling from the panel. The only thing I can think of is to house all the wires in a 2 or 3 inch piece of gray pvc conduit from the panel into the ceiling. This way the sheetrockers will have one solid piece to mud around. Any other ideas?
Also if I do it this way do I need any protection on the top lip where all the wires come out of the conduit and go in all different directions into the ceiling?

 

[pattenp]

.....
Also if I do it this way do I need any protection on the top lip where all the wires come out of the conduit and go in all different directions into the ceiling?

Not if using PVC conduit. If using metal conduit then an end bushing is needed.

Suggestion: If the panel is surface mounted you can box a chase from the top of the panel to the ceiling.

 

[kd3pc]

you would be better served leaving the individual wires as they exit the panel and building a chase from the top of the panel to the ceiling.

most jurisdictions and codes do not allow the use of conduit for the type of wire that usually exits a panel.

 

[pattenp]

you would be better served leaving the individual wires as they exit the panel and building a chase from the top of the panel to the ceiling.

most jurisdictions and codes do not allow the use of conduit for the type of wire that usually exits a panel.

What?

 

[Mustang51js]

How are you mounting the Sheetrock to the walls,furring strips or 2x4. Just put two studs next to the panel and Sheetrock that so then you don't have to worry about the wires coming out of panel, and the panel will be flush with the sheetrock

 

[alfredeneuman]

If the conduits are more than 24" in length the wires would be subject to derating.

I agree with Mustang's idea.

 

[kd3pc]

What?

if he has the normal selection of SE/NM/Romex or even some older BX, then running several of those, together in the same conduit, could be a problem. IIIRC, NM is not approved for conduit use?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

if he has the normal selection of SE/NM/Romex or even some older BX, then running several of those, together in the same conduit, could be a problem. IIIRC, NM is not approved for conduit use?

NM is code approved for conduit. Just cant use NM in wet location such as below ground as its not approved for wet locations....

NM not being allowed in conduit is a misnomer and old wives tale...

 

[yzman720]

Not if using PVC conduit. If using metal conduit then an end bushing is needed.

Suggestion: If the panel is surface mounted you can box a chase from the top of the panel to the ceiling.

that's a great idea! better than my pvc conduit idea as it would be easier to mud around and have a very crisp clean look.

Anyone else have any suggestions? the more the merrier!

 

[SALIV8]

I have a panel I am mounting in a basement garage with concrete walls. The ceiling is going to be sheetrocked and I am kicking around ideas for the cleanest look for the house wires going up into the ceiling from the panel. The only thing I can think of is to house all the wires in a 2 or 3 inch piece of gray pvc conduit from the panel into the ceiling. This way the sheetrockers will have one solid piece to mud around. Any other ideas?
Also if I do it this way do I need any protection on the top lip where all the wires come out of the conduit and go in all different directions into the ceiling?

If this was my setup I would run emt straight into the ceiling out of the top of the panel (depending on conduit fill restrictions and my needs and futures.) no reason to limit yourself to one home run since you cannot bury any boxes per code.

I would draw my plans on graph paper and once if I figured out my circuit needs, I can branch as needed to what is suitable and clean looking. If the emt is level, parallel, and square it looks nice imo.

 

[BillK]

yz,
I agree with the others on building a "chase" the width of the panel to go up to the ceiling. That way you can also make the front of it removable so if you ever want to run more cables it would be easy. My box is mounted flush between studs and all I did in the section between the box and the ceiling was to screw a piece of paneling to it to cover up the wires. Easy to open up for more wiring if needed.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

How are you mounting the Sheetrock to the walls,furring strips or 2x4. Just put two studs next to the panel and Sheetrock that so then you don't have to worry about the wires coming out of panel, and the panel will be flush with the sheetrock

Don't use sheetrock, use a fiber board, masonite, etc, that can be screwed on and easily removed for the installation of additional clamps and wires or cables.

Charles