Running receptacle to basement (unfinished, cement wall)

[5mall5nail5]

Hi all - I am moving a computer rack down into my basement. Currently draws 3.0A on 120v and I don't plan to draw much more - maybe 5A. I was going to run two 20A 120V circuits from a subpanel we have in our addition since it has crawlspace access.

I've wired many circuits before but never to cement walls/basement. I am thinking I should run EMT or PVC. I should run THHN/THWN through the conduit as well, not NM-B, yah? It'd be a straight shot down the conduit, but not sure whether NM-B is allowed in conduit by code.

That said, because the circuit will be coming into the basement above the foundation how does one properly go from NM-B (that'll run along the joists) to the EMT? Do I do just do a junction box at the top of the EMT and transition from NM-B to THHN/THWN in there?

Also, was defines a "wet location"? I am installing this in a basement and although its "dry" the sump holds water and there is a gap around the floating slab that will have usually have about 1/2 - 1" of water in it. Never had water on the floor surface, but curious.

Thanks all.

 

[sberry]

Put pipe for protection and shove the NMB thru it. It's not "wet" but will need to be gfci.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

In my locale its acceptable to run NM-B in conduit.

This makes it easy to transition from in-wall/joist areas, to those exposed requiring additional protection. Garages and basements are considered "wet" and require GFCIs.

Another option is like you mentioned add a box and transition from NM-B to single conductor prior to EMT.

 

[sberry]

They are considered unfinished. No wall or floor coverings.

 

[mm08822]

Another option is to attach a nailer to the wall from the recpt height to the top of concrete ~ 5/4" x 6". Mount the box to it and run the nmb down the center of it. Nailer will also be used for cable staples. This method eliminates transitions and/or conduit. Use a 4" sq box and you will have room to extend the ckt at a later date if desired.

 

[teamextreme]

I would run NMB and sleeve it with conduit for the drop to a 4SQ box. Make sure you use a bushing of some sort where the NMB enters the EMT. They make special bushings made from plastic just for this or you can use an EMT connector. Like others have said, needs to be a GFI as well, which will also necessitate a 2-1/8" deep box.

 

[5mall5nail5]

Thanks all - was thinking of doing a GFI breaker fwiw. I know it's needed, but I am going to run a computer on this and do worry about it false tripping. Since it is "damp" I think PVC conduit may be better suited. They make PVC boxes for the wall?

 

[CJ7VFR]

...They make PVC boxes for the wall?

Yes they make PVC boxes for mounting switches and recetacles to the wall. The boxes have either two or four mounting tabs/feet on them for installing them. They come with different conduit ports that accept conduit sizes 1/2", 3/4", 1" and so on. They also come in styles that have only one conduit connection port, and ones that have conduit ports on opposite sides so you can pass the wiring thru and onto another box.

I use the 1-gang and 2-gang gray PVC boxes with white switches, receptacles and wall plates in my basement. I like the clean look of the gray PVC and the white.

I get the boxes from any big box store like Home Depot or Lowes.

Jim

 

[Crazyjake8493]

You could do PVC or EMT but I prefer the look of EMT indoors. PVC indoors looks cheap to me. If you're running NM I would put a plastic bushing or NM-to-EMT connector on the top of the conduit. This is how I added all the outlets in my unfinished basement.

 

[5mall5nail5]

You could do PVC or EMT but I prefer the look of EMT indoors. PVC indoors looks cheap to me. If you're running NM I would put a plastic bushing or NM-to-EMT connector on the top of the conduit. This is how I added all the outlets in my unfinished basement.

Any chance you have a pictar?