noob question about how much wire to run through conduit

[Cobra6]

Another noob question.

How much Romex should I run through what size conduit?

I was going to run two 10/2 wires through my attic for my compressor and my lift in a separate PVC piece, This is not too hard to figure -

but then I was going to run my 14/3 for lights and my 12/2 for outlets - Is there a good way to calculate size of conduit vs. cable size so it is not crammed in there?
I want to run ~20 feet of conduit past my storage area in the attic then the wire can spread out over the trusses.

Thanks (I know I am a rookie pain)

 

[sammm]

If romex is going to be covered (drywall, OSB, etc), I didn't think it had to be in conduit. ?

 

[Alchymist]

Romex should not be bundled in conduit.

 

[Cobra6]

If romex is going to be covered (drywall, OSB, etc), I didn't think it had to be in conduit. ?

I didn't realize that -

I told you I didn't know what I was doing.

 

[sammm]

^Wait for one of the pros to chime in, but I think that's right.

 

[rquackenbush]

If you're using conduit, just make sure you use enough to come out the other side.

Agreed on no need in the walls - in residential construction the wires just need to be inaccessible to people. That means in walls, in conduits, or far enough out of reach that incidental contact isn't a risk (attic, basement ceiling, etc)

 

[mrb]

couple things:
wires = individual conductors, ie: a single 12awg THHN conductor.

romex is a cable. cable = two or more wires with an outer sheath. romex, and MC are both cables. (the cable extension cords are made of is called portable cord, not to be confused with cable as they are two different things)

romex doesnt need to be inaccessible. It has to be protected where subject to damage.

and last, dont run romex in conduit (im not even going to get into the 500 different reasons not to).

 

[justsomeguy]

and last, dont run romex in conduit (im not even going to get into the 500 different reasons not to).

Technically, the NEC does allow it to be run. You still have to figure the areial ratio and size it appropriately though.

There are several situations where I can see a logistical usage of NMB inside of conduit, but in general I would highly advise an alternative. My top two reasons are ease of pulling and the fact that three strands of 12 gauge wire is cheaper than comparable NMB cable when figured per linear foot.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

and last, dont run romex in conduit (im not even going to get into the 500 different reasons not to).

I agree. While it is legal to run Romex in conduit, provided you adhere to the fill requirements specified in Chapter 9 of the NEC, "Notes to Tables" (9)....... It is a waste of time and a lot of hard work. Romex does not pull well, and unless its a short length of conduit being used to protect some exposed Romex, don't do it, you WILL regret it.

Charles

 

[Aceman]

Cobra, I think the best way to run your wire is near the eaves stapled right across the top of your bottom truss chord. Don't sleeve it in conduit, that's a pain in the balls.

As long as your attic doesn't have permanent stairs or a ladder you're only required to protect it within 6' of the scuttle hole. We'll usually lay a 2x4(s) right beside it if that's the case.

NEC articles
334.23
320.23(A)

 

[Cobra6]

Cobra, I think the best way to run your wire is near the eaves stapled right across the top of your bottom truss chord. Don't sleeve it in conduit, that's a pain in the balls.

As long as your attic doesn't have permanent stairs or a ladder you're only required to protect it within 6' of the scuttle hole. We'll usually lay a 2x4(s) right beside it if that's the case.

NEC articles
334.23
320.23(A)

Thanks - that's what I am going to do. I do have permanent stairs to the attic, but I also have a wall and everything can go behind it and it will be closed off when I have my insulation in. (and it will be 10' from the stairs)

 

[Cobra6]

Thanks to everyone for the help - I know this is simple stuff -
stupid questions, I know, but I am glad I asked.

I am a mechanical engineer, not electrical (duh-huh - I guess that is obvious to y'all)

Maybe someone else will learn who is afraid to ask.

 

[Aceman]

Keep asking your questions, there's always someone on here who's willing to help!

There have been A LOT of other forum members who found out the hard way that it's easier to ask questions first, before they've installed the electrical than after...