Outdoor wiring

[jake26]

Good morning Gents,

This weekend, I plan on wiring the storage area I built under my cedar deck. The area is 10' x 25' x 5'10" tall (I am 5'8") with a roll up garage door, 20' bench and DryDeck roof. It was the first thing I ever built that envolved a door and structure. Small potatos for the pros here but I am quite proud of it. I will post some pics later today!

Question 1: If I am to staple some 14-2 wire to the interior of the storage area, can I use the regular romex or does it have to be that thick, grey coated outdoor variety? Keep in mind that the area is not water proof and it can get damp down there.

Question 2: I plan on using those outdoor outlets with the flip covers. Is there a rating I need to look for to determine quality of receptical? Is there an outdoor rated switch?

Question 3: I also am planing on running speakers out there. Can anyone recommend a good speaker wire for outdoor speakers?

Thanks!!!

 

[rodnok1]

If it's a damp location you have to use outdoor(damp) rated wire, outlets and covers.

 

[Stuart in MN]

And to be clear, regular Romex is not rated for use outdoors or in damp areas.

It will depend on local codes in your area, but the outlet covers may have to be what are called 'weatherproof while in use'. Instead of the old style that had the little flip covers, these things use a big domed plastic cover that looks kind of like a butter dish; they're designed to keep water out even when a cord is plugged in.

They do make weatherproof covers for light switches, you just use a regular switch.

As far as the speaker wires go, it's low voltage stuff so you probably don't have to worry much about what kind of wire you use.

 

[sberry]

Use 12 and run 20A circuits if you plan on using any power tools, can this get rained on?

 

[jake26]

Thanks for the replies!!

I am installing outlets in a variety of places. Some will be covered under the deck and DryDeck system but that area gets moist from being enclosed and the small amount of water that comes in between the house and deck and sides.

Other outlets will be installed in the weather.

 

[mrb]

the outlets need to be marked 'WR'

 

[jake26]

'WR' means "weather rated" I assume?

Switches also??

 

[jake26]

I went shopping yesterday at Home Depot. For as little as I know about electrical supplies, I think George at Home Depot knows even less. Anyhoo ... I found no receptacles or switches with 'WR' ratings (only 'TR' ratings). Poor George never even heard of such a thing. It took HD about 20 minutes to get me a 'electrical technitian' and then the dude farted as we talked. I couldn't believe this guy.

looking for a 'WR' rating, I opened an "outdoor electrical kit" and found no 'WR' rating on the supplied outlet. It seems that the covers are weatherproof but the outlets are normal. I did purchase a CGFI breaker, UF wire, metal boxes and seal tight plugs. Should be a fun project. Thanks for all the help!!