Running Mini Split Interconnect Cable Inside a Wall?

[SVibs]

My HOA doesn’t allow line set covers running on outside walls so my line set run is on the inside of my garage. The line set runs 6’ horizontally, then runs downward inside a stud bay approx. 7’ and out to the condenser.

The NEC doesn’t allow running the SO cable inside a wall and doesn’t permit running SO cable in a conduit so I’m at a bit of a loss as to how to run the cable between the two units. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[dscheidt]

I'm pretty sure the usual solution is to ignore it's SO, and pretend it's okay to run it in the wall.
But there's no reason you need to use SO cable. Install conduit, pull thhn.

 

[rlitman]

Or do it the easy way and use TC tray cable sold as mini-split hookup wire. Rated for direct burial, sunlight resistant, wet locations, and in-wall use. One cable and you're set.

 

[SVibs]

I'm pretty sure the usual solution is to ignore it's SO, and pretend it's okay to run it in the wall.

I'd be OK with that--the electrical inspector maybe not so much

 

[SVibs]

Or do it the easy way and use TC tray cable sold as mini-split hookup wire. Rated for direct burial, sunlight resistant, wet locations, and in-wall use. One cable and you're set.

Perfect--thanks.

 

[pcmeiners]

This what I used, 14/4 metal shield, vinyl coated. (coated BX armor).

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Southwire-59351203-EZ-IN-Shielded-Mini-Split-Cable-14-4-Stranded-600V-50?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_withoutdata&utm_campaign=Shopping_Without_PLTV_data&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpompBhDZARIsAFD_Fp9kFfwQlus9eDWdfRi61TXFPmP91O5hfkOVSmUFEZSMZ1UQv2sgvpgaAtLwEALw_wcB

25ft length.....

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My linesets have a diameter of about 1 3/4 per line, too big to drill out the studs (2x4) legally so I cut into each beam's face, keeping the cut depth legal, then put on a 6"x3 plate on each stud to protect the lineset and th 14/4 control cable, a royal pain but sure beats lineset exterior covers.

 

[rlitman]

...My linesets have a diameter of about 1 3/4 per line, too big to drill out the studs (2x4) legally...

Even with a heavy stud shoe?

 

[SVibs]

This what I used, 14/4 metal shield, vinyl coated. (coated BX armor).

I ended up ordering this 14/4C Tray Cable.

...sure beats lineset exterior covers.

Even though they're not allow by my HOA I probably wouldn't have used them the on the exterior of the house anyway. I'm not crazy about them on the inside of the garage either but it's a short run in an area where I can't use the wall space (over the breaker panel and the side entrance door) so it's not a big deal.

 

[pcmeiners]

I like. My plates are wider then the studs, and the size of the cutout is greater (vertical 4") than those plates (easier to get the lineset in place), and my plates are thicker (in case of drive by shootings, or Sheetrock installation with Hiti pins by shoemakers).

To me having external conduit covering looks cheap, but that is just me. I lucked out with (3) of my minisplits, I can run the lines on/in the basement joists.

 

[PoorUB]

A lot of mini splits get wired with good old Romex, 14-3 plus ground. I am not sure if it would work on any mini split.

 

[pcmeiners]

Only trouble with Romex is minisplits may have a wire with imposed 2 way communication signals, possibly shielded or twist for noise reduction. Depending how the control is design, Romex may or may not work; older HVAC devices did not use imposed signals. Going forward the newer minisplit designs will use bi directional communications more and more.

 

[jjrbus]

When installing my minis 4 years ago the communication cable seemed to cause a lot of controversy and NEC talk. I found something referred to as tray cable which seems to be the approved cable for mini's. It was the best I could do. Also found that the linesets sold for minis is very thin copper and used US produced copper tubing instead.

 

[mm08822]

Are you sure it is SO cable?

Take a pic of the lettering on the cable.

 

[SVibs]

Are you sure it is SO cable?

Technically it's SJOW cable but yeah. Also, just noticed it's 16 gauge--pretty sure it needs to be 14 gauge.

 

[SVibs]

When installing my minis 4 years ago the communication cable seemed to cause a lot of controversy and NEC talk. I found something referred to as tray cable which seems to be the approved cable for mini's.

That's what I ended up ordering as it seems approved for that use, can be run inside a wall, in conduit, etc. It seems like the mini split vendors include stuff that meets the minimum requirement in their line set kits. The cable included with most of these kits appear to be SO cable variations. And while most people run the line set on the outside of the building, there's still a foot or two of SO cable run on the inside of the building and through a wall penetration. It's pretty unlikely an electrical inspector would fail the inspection because of it, but I'm guessing running it through the wall penetration doesn't meet code.

 

[mm08822]

That's what I ended up ordering as it seems approved for that use, can be run inside a wall, in conduit, etc. It seems like the mini split vendors include stuff that meets the minimum requirement in their line set kits. The cable included with most of these kits appear to be SO cable variations. And while most people run the line set on the outside of the building, there's still a foot or two of SO cable run on the inside of the building and through a wall penetration. It's pretty unlikely an electrical inspector would fail the inspection because of it, but I'm guessing running it through the wall penetration doesn't meet code.

Even running this cable on the outside of the building is still an NEC issue. Cordage (as in SO or SJOW in your case) is considered portable and for temporary use. Power cable is considered for permanent building wiring. The life of a minisplit certainly meets the definition of permanent.
If the supply houses are providing this cordage as an accessory to the minisplit hardware, they've got it wrong. It doesn't meet the NEC requirements.
The TC cable is a better choice as it is intended as a permanent wiring means.

 

[jjrbus]

That's what I ended up ordering as it seems approved for that use, can be run inside a wall, in conduit, etc. It seems like the mini split vendors include stuff that meets the minimum requirement in their line set kits. The cable included with most of these kits appear to be SO cable variations. And while most people run the line set on the outside of the building, there's still a foot or two of SO cable run on the inside of the building and through a wall penetration. It's pretty unlikely an electrical inspector would fail the inspection because of it, but I'm guessing running it through the wall penetration doesn't meet code.

Sorry but I do not know the answer. Mine was run in a lineset cover which I consider a tray and yes run through a wall. We have 2 electrical inspectors one you could use a nail gun to fasten the cable and he would pass it. The other one you cannot possibly do it right!