exposed romex in garage over 8' high?

[jdsac]

I have a garage that has exposed romex that goes to an outside dusk to dawn light.
As the title says, at present it is exposed and runs along a 2 x 4 . It's about 8' high from the floor
Question: should this be changed to thhn and run through conduit or is there a certain height above the floor that allows this?

 

[Slowgsr]

At 8ft it's not really subject to mechanical damage. Except leaning ladders against it etc.
To be honest, I would never run romex exposed anywhere ever period, but people on here are going to argue with me.
If it's going to stay exposed I always stuck to AC90 (bx) since I do all commercial/retail so I'm used to bx. When I say that's mean it in a place that Emt or rigid can't be used.

Is it a huge problem? No.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

As long as its attached to the side of a joist above ceiling level youre probably ok depending on local codes,unless of course youre in Omaha ne where it would have to be in conduit.

 

[reader2580]

Is there a rule that NM cable can't be exposed in a garage? Just about every garage I've seen that is not finished has exposed NM cable to the outlets and switches.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

In Omaha any electrical work in an unfinished area other than an attic has to be in pipe,you still need running boards to protect romex in a closed in attic though.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

At 8ft it's not really subject to mechanical damage. Except leaning ladders against it etc.
To be honest, I would never run romex exposed anywhere ever period, but people on here are going to argue with me.
If it's going to stay exposed I always stuck to AC90 (bx) since I do all commercial/retail so I'm used to bx. When I say that's mean it in a place that Emt or rigid can't be used.

Is it a huge problem? No.

I hate to break it to u but AC, (the new BX; BX isnt made anymore), MC, etc has the same physical protection requirements as NM-b wiring.

Is there a rule that NM cable can't be exposed in a garage? Just about every garage I've seen that is not finished has exposed NM cable to the outlets and switches.

Only if subject to physical damage...

 

[Slowgsr]

I hate to break it to u but AC, (the new BX; BX isnt made anymore), MC, etc has the same physical protection requirements as NM-b wiring.



Only if subject to physical damage...

There's something called 'inspectors discretion' based on what is and isn't subject to mechanical damage, and I hate to break it to you but the inspectors I've dealt with will call romex being subject to mechanical damage far sooner then ac90 (bx).

Maybe our codes are slightly different here in ontario compared to the USA.

 

[reader2580]

Only if subject to physical damage...

Wouldn't NM cable run horizontally be subject to physical damage? Do I have to run all of my NM cable all the way up to the trusses between outlets then? That will greatly increase the amount of cable and the amount of labor if I have to do that.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There's something called 'inspectors discretion' based on what is and isn't subject to mechanical damage, and I hate to break it to you but the inspectors I've dealt with will call romex being subject to mechanical damage far sooner then ac90 (bx).

Maybe our codes are slightly different here in ontario compared to the USA.

Yes, 'subject to damage is up to discretion of the individual. However, In the US both types are subject to the same restrictions...

Wouldn't NM cable run horizontally be subject to physical damage? Do I have to run all of my NM cable all the way up to the trusses between outlets then? That will greatly increase the amount of cable and the amount of labor if I have to do that.

Really depends on the location...

 

[reader2580]

Really depends on the location...

I am planning to have receptacles at about 54" high to clear plywood or other panels leaning on the wall. I would run the NM cable horizontally about 12" above or below the boxes. It seems like this would probably against code as not protected against damage.

I guess I should ask the electrical inspector.

 

[jeff000]

I am planning to have receptacles at about 54" high to clear plywood or other panels leaning on the wall. I would run the NM cable horizontally about 12" above or below the boxes. It seems like this would probably against code as not protected against damage.

I guess I should ask the electrical inspector.

Ran through the studs? Just throw some drywall up, it's cheap.

I hate to break it to u but AC, (the new BX; BX isnt made anymore), MC, etc has the same physical protection requirements as NM-b wiring.

Why call him on the trade acceptable BX, but not call the OP on Romex? Unless it is actual romex brand?

In Canada we can use AC90 basically anywhere we use EMT.

I can't find where in the NEC it says that AC needs the same protection as NMD, But then to me finding anything in the NEC is a headache compared to the CEC.

 

[bmxdad]

Is the pad already poured? Run some conduit under the grade before pouring if not.

 

[ADSR]

I would BX it.

 

[Mustang51js]

I am planning to have receptacles at about 54" high to clear plywood or other panels leaning on the wall. I would run the NM cable horizontally about 12" above or below the boxes. It seems like this would probably against code as not protected against damage.

I guess I should ask the electrical inspector.

Will the wire be inside the studs and drilled through the studs going horizontal. If yes then use rx, if you are running it exposed on top of Sheetrock then use box or pipe

 

['sallgood]

Is the pad already poured? Run some conduit under the grade before pouring if not.

Wrong answer. Run gray PVC.