Main panel PVC conduit question

[green.bubbly]

For my main panel, I would like to run a couple of empty pvc conduits up into the attic from the main panel. This would aid in fishing any future additional wires down into the panel.

A quick Google search yielded the typical long list of two million scenarios and opinions. So my basic question is can I run a single 12/2 Romex cable through 1/2" or 3/4" PVC conduit into the main panel? The conduit will be about 6 feet long.

 

[foolishpride]

Yes, but glue a connector on the end, and screw a bushing on the end of the connector to protect the romex from the sharp end of the pipe.

 

[dittle fart around]

You don't run romex in conduit. If you want to leave space to bring in more circuits why not screw down a piece of 1/2 plywood from your breaker box to the ceiling. Then you can run romex directly into the box any time you want. Plus when you paint the plywood to match the rest of the drywall it will look a lot better than a run of pvc conduit.

 

[Aceman]

You don't run romex in conduit.

You can Romex in conduit legally, whether you think it's right or not.

 

[Provincial]

12/2 w/ground Romex will fit easily in 1/2" PVC conduit. The NEC code books have tables that include fill limits for Romex in PVC conduit that will guide you. foolishpride is right that you should protect the wire from chafing where it enters and leaves the conduit.

 

[green.bubbly]

You don't run romex in conduit. If you want to leave space to bring in more circuits why not screw down a piece of 1/2 plywood from your breaker box to the ceiling. Then you can run romex directly into the box any time you want. Plus when you paint the plywood to match the rest of the drywall it will look a lot better than a run of pvc conduit.

The wall will be covered with sheetrock and filled with insulation. If I had too, I could still fish a new wire but it would be a lot easier if there was a conduit which is why I asked the question if it was acceptable or not.

 

[gumbudah]

i just did this. I ran 1" conduit frm panel up to attic then terminated at a 4"x4"x4" box. If i ever add circuits, will run romex to box then switch to thhn to get through conduit to panel.

 

[Trey T]

It may fit but fishing the wire can be a pain. Stranded wires are more forgiving especially in more than one bend of PVC connections.

I would only fish Romex wire through a straight path of PVC line

12/2 w/ground Romex will fit easily in 1/2" PVC conduit. The NEC code books have tables that include fill limits for Romex in PVC conduit that will guide you. foolishpride is right that you should protect the wire from chafing where it enters and leaves the conduit.

 

[porcupine73]

Not sure if this is helpful, but I remember seeing a diagram depicting this sort of arrangement in the NEC. I looked back in the 2008 NEC, and in 'exhibit 90.2' it shows a service panel with raceways 'from electrical service panel and communications center to accessible attic space'.

It sounds like your runs aren't very long. Why not just use the largest size conduit you can fit that will fit in your walls and panel ko's? That would allow for maximum future flexibility.

 

[green.bubbly]

Not sure if this is helpful, but I remember seeing a diagram depicting this sort of arrangement in the NEC. I looked back in the 2008 NEC, and in 'exhibit 90.2' it shows a service panel with raceways 'from electrical service panel and communications center to accessible attic space'.

It sounds like your runs aren't very long. Why not just use the largest size conduit you can fit that will fit in your walls and panel ko's? That would allow for maximum future flexibility.

Most of the circuits will branch off before exiting the attic floor and travel along the ceiling joists. The attic floor will be covered with OSB so I wanted a couple of small (or one large) pvc pipes extended into the attic space above the OSB.

 

[Provincial]

If you have more than three "current carrying" conductors (meaning Hot or Neutral wires) in one conduit you have to derate the current-carrying capacity of every one of them. If you have more than seven current-carrying conductors in one conduit, you have to derate them even more.

This is why you see a lot of small conduits, each carrying a few wires, in commercial applications. In your case it may be best to run a couple of 1/2" and a couple of 3/4" conduits up into the attic, with a splice box up there to take off for your runs.

BTW, I have pulled 12-2 romex (also 14-3) in 1/2" PVC conduit around a 90-deg. factory elbow and a gentle joggle with no probem - didn't even need lubricant. I wouldn't try it on a long run or multiple curves. I was transitioning from a wood joist area into an all-steel wall with girts. I ran Romex in the wood and transitioned into conduit in the outside walls. I kept everything in the steel part of the structure either in conduit or used MC (metal armoured) cable. I didn't want to put a splice box where I changed over, especially since it would have to be "accessable" and have a cover plate showing in the ceiling or wall.

 

[hidollartoys]

For my main panel, I would like to run a couple of empty pvc conduits up into the attic from the main panel. This would aid in fishing any future additional wires down into the panel.

A quick Google search yielded the typical long list of two million scenarios and opinions. So my basic question is can I run a single 12/2 Romex cable through 1/2" or 3/4" PVC conduit into the main panel? The conduit will be about 6 feet long.

YES!!!!!! Not a code violation.