Mini split communication wire in wall

[sdsurfer]

I just installed a mini split over the weekend and ran the copper wires, drain hose and communication signal wire inside my garage exterior wall (attached garage so walls are sheet rocked). The walls are 2x6 and due to HOA I had to bring the wires and stuff outside below the fence line. The lines go straight down inside the wall for about 5ft before going outside.

I realized this morning that running the communication wire inside the wall for about 5ft maybe against code? I found a range of possible answers online but couldn’t find a concrete answer. The communication/signal wires are from Pioneer (my mini split manufacturer) and according to their site they are:

• UL and CSA Approved for Indoor and Outdoor use

• AWG Size: 16
• No. of Cond.: 4
• Conductor Stranding: 26/30
• Approx LBS/MFT: 95
• Nom. Insul. Thick: 0.030 inches
• Jacket Thick: 0.030
• Nom. O.D. of Cable: 0.365 inches
• Amps: 10 A
• Color Codes: Black, White, Red, Green
• UL Style: SJOOW
• CSA Type: Approved
• Min. Temp: -40°C
• Max. Temp: 90°C
• Cond. Material: Bare Copper
• Insul. Material: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM)
• Jacket Material: Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)
• Max. Voltage: 300

I saw reference to something about if it’s less than 6ft it’s ok? Since it’s in a garage does that change any code? If not ok can I just go straight from outside to install and run inside my on the outside of the Sheetrock, so only ~6 inches is inside the wall?

 

[WildBill]

I think most inspectors are OK with it because everyone does it. Mine said it was usually technically wrong but he didn't care as it happens constantly and there is not really another way to do it if you can't run down the outside with a cover, and lots of HOAs won't let you. Sometimes it's just considered a thermostat wire and those can usually be run almost anywhere. The answer greatly depends on where you live and your local inspector though, they generally have a number you can call to get answers before they come out.

 

[larry4406]

You list the specs on the wire as SJOOW.

My Google-fu says not permitted to be concealed in wall.

Calling the resident sparkies.

 

[SVibs]

The correct cable for the application is four conductor "Tray Cable". It's rated for in-wall and conduit use. The SJOW cable that ships with most mini split line set "kits" is rated for neither. I was similarly confused about the wiring--you may find this post helpful.

 

[SVibs]

Sometimes it's just considered a thermostat wire and those can usually be run almost anywhere.

The key difference is that thermostat wire carries 24 VAC and is rated for in-wall use. The 4 conductor cable between the evaporator and condenser is carrying line voltage and is not rated for in-wall use. SJOW is essentially heavy duty extension cord cabling and isn't allowed in wall for the same reason you can't run an extension cable in-wall.

 

[sdsurfer]

So instead of buying the cable referenced in that post, can I just pass it from outside the garage to inside the garage and then up the wall inside the garage?

And if not the cable I found referenced in the post is 14/4c, I may run 16/4c because that was what was provided with the unit.

 

[sdsurfer]

I just got home and checked the wire. It’s not what’s listed on the website it’s: TC-ER. It doesn’t have the JP for joist pull, does it need that for inside the wall between 2 2x6s?

 

[SVibs]

I just got home and checked the wire. It’s not what’s listed on the website it’s: TC-ER. It doesn’t have the JP for joist pull, does it need that for inside the wall between 2 2x6s?

My guess, and I'm certainly not qualified to do more than that, is that it probably needs the JP designation to be run inside a wall. I'm not sure how helpful the building inspectors in your area are but you may want to give them a call to confirm.