Running "Romex" behind crown moulding

[JamieK]

I'm going to be putting some new light circuits in my garage, but the walls have already been finished in drywall. There is no access to the ceiling over the garage. Can I fish the wire from the fixture through the ceiling joists, then drop down out of the ceiling where the wall and ceiling meet. Then run the wire in that upper corner over to the other side of the room and then run the wire back behind the wall down to the switch? Then cover the exposed wire with crown molding? Is that up to code or not?

 

[hammlm]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

I'm not sure of code, but to be sure, you could run MC ("flex") in the manner you described.

Code or not, I would be very worried about an errant finishing nail finding its way into the NM-B cable.

You must have some garage if you're going to finish it with crown!!!

Let us know what you decide.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

I would still consider that exposed wire, which code would say needs to be in conduit.

 

[uncletater]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

I agree it would not be a good idea. Nails may cause an issue if you hit the wire.

I do like crown in a garage. I think it makes it look more finished.

 

[PugetDude]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

Hey, didn't that Korean guy up in BC have "crwon moulding" in his garage?

 

[pattenp]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

Since the NEC specifies when running NM through bored hole or along the side of studs that the cable must be kept at least 1.25" back from nailing surfaces. I think running NM behind crown molding does not meet that distance requirement from a nailing surface.

 

[rockwithjason]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

why is there no access to the garage ceiling? if you have the space above there i would cut in an access hole and get up there.

 

[uncletater]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

why is there no access to the garage ceiling? if you have the space above there i would cut in an access hole and get up there.

OP may have bonus room above garage. Therefore no access?

 

[Mustang51js]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

Talk to your inspector, because even though it is not to code to run on outside of Sheetrock they will let you staple it in the top corner most of the time. I've done it where the top was exposed like you said without crown molding and then anything down the walls snaked in. I've never had an inspector fail me for that. Now if it was in the middle of the wall where it could be damaged easy then either pipe or bx cable would have to be ran. I'm sure I will have someone comment on this saying I'm stupid and the only one ever to do it but I've seen it and done it plenty of times in garages and passed inspection.

 

[gc427]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

Nope.

Time to learn how to cut, patch and texture the holes you are going to be cutting in your drywall.

If it is going to be exposed it needs to be in flex conduit or EMT.

No PVC for air line plumbing either

 

[Mustang51js]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

It's up to you but I would call the inspector first and ask,you might be surprised.

 

[frankush]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

In this area, armored cable is run behind baseboard quarter round all the time.
If it's remodeling work, I'd go for it with armored cable. Calling the AHJ is just going to open a can of worms.

 

[Mustang51js]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

Just to give you an idea, I just did a 20kw generator with aluminum cable and romex for the control wires, I ran all the wires in the top corner above the garage door as I've done many times over the years,all passed with no issues. The only thing I ever have to do extra is fire stop the holes if I go I through the wall. I can't say about where you are but in nj there's no issues with the wires up high in the garage.

 

[hidollartoys]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

The code actually specifies "protected from damage" for exposed wiring (NM). Let's not forget all the unfinished basement spaces that have "exposed" wiring.

Not sure I would agree with pattenp's interpretation of the code. I do not believe a bored hole is the same as wire behind molding. If you anchor the NM as required by the code and then cover it with molding (desperately trying not to damage it) you should be fine.

 

[6768rogues]

Re: Running "Romex" behind crwon moulding

Our code, which references the NEC, requires that wires within 1 3/8 inches of the surface be protected by metal plates or an equivalent nail and screw proof cover.