Open Front Carport Wiring Q

[AFChief]

I have a carport that is closed on three sides and a gable on the open end. I have a 20A circuit run from my main shop underground and then up thru PVC to an inside Jbox at the back wall. I want to run cable up to the top of the side wall, then to the front area for a duplex box for a receptacle and switch and then up the the center ceiling for a light. Carport has no vapor barrier. I am in a conundrum on the wire/conduit I should use. MC because its a metal building? Do I need weather resistance due to ceiling sweat and/ or the box being close to the open end? Definitely will use GFCI receptacle, but do I need the whole box sealed up? Any input is appreciated.

 

[Wrench97]

Treat it as exterior wiring, seal-tite or liquid-tite conduit and covered gfci boxes.

 

[exranger06]

I'd say that this is a "damp" location, not a wet location. The NEC (2020) defines a damp location as:
"Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture."
"Informational note: Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage warehouses."

Whereas wet locations (which I do not believe this qualifies as, unless you plan on washing vehicles inside) are defined as:
"Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather."

 

[AFChief]

I'd say that this is a "damp" location, not a wet location. The NEC (2020) defines a damp location as:
"Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture."
"Informational note: Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage warehouses."

Whereas wet locations (which I do not believe this qualifies as, unless you plan on washing vehicles inside) are defined as:
"Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather."

So what are the options for damp areas?

 

[exranger06]

I just did some reading and it looks like there isn't really any difference between damp and wet locations as far as wiring methods. You basically have to use weatherproof boxes, conduit and fittings, or weatherproof cable such as UF. Receptacles have to be WR.

 

[AFChief]

I just did some reading and it looks like there isn't really any difference between damp and wet locations as far as wiring methods. You basically have to use weatherproof boxes, conduit and fittings, or weatherproof cable such as UF. Receptacles have to be WR.

Would PVC with outdoor boxes work?

 

[Terry D]

I agree with the damp location, possibly a wet location at times if rain can blow in. I personally would use EMT with compression fittings. PVC would work also. Use outdoor boxes with covers. EMT is not that hard, you would need a hand bender and this book.

https://www.bnibooks.com/products/benfield-conduit-bending-manual-second-edition

 

[pattenp]

PVC is the easiest for a DIY'er. Just use plenty of support clamps so the PVC doesn't sag in the heat on any long runs.

 

[AFChief]

Thanks! I will use PVC and outdoor J box with the weatherproof cover. WR and TR GFCI.