Two questions about concealed box & wire

[darcyh]

Okay, you guys have convinced me to run all future outlets in the garage using #12 wire and 20 amp breakers into to my FPE (yikes) box.

FPE boxes are really common in Ontario and still sold here.

Wire is a lot cheaper in the USA. What do you think of the Southwire 12 awg in 250 rolls at Lowes. It's $71.

Is a junction box considered concealed if it is mounted above a suspended ceiling? Or is this acceptable?

Thanks for your feedback.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Southwire is excellent wire. The company HQ is located about 45 minutes from me. Their products are about the only brand of wire and cable you can buy around here.

In the US at least, I don't think there are any restrictions on mounting junction boxes in the area above a suspended ceiling. It is still accessible.

Charles

 

[darcyh]

Thanks for the information Charles. Much appreciated.

Regards,

Dave

 

[rwreuter]

you can mount junction boxes above a suspended ceiling.......no violation there.

 

[Norcal]

FPE (Fisher Price Electric) is not the same as the Federal Pioneer in Canada, the issues plaguing FPE in the USA do not seem to be a problem in the Canukistani product, although I hear FP is being discontinued.

 

[jvitez]

Do you mean Lowes in Ontario, or Lowes in the US? House wire sold in the US is generally not CSA approved, so technically not permissible in Canada if you're getting an inspection. If you mean Lowes in Ontario, they'll only sell NM-D not NM wire so you're OK.

 

[Highbeam]

That price, 70$ for 250' of 12/2, is the exact price today in WA state. I just bought a roll.

 

[darcyh]

Do you mean Lowes in Ontario, or Lowes in the US? House wire sold in the US is generally not CSA approved, so technically not permissible in Canada if you're getting an inspection. If you mean Lowes in Ontario, they'll only sell NM-D not NM wire so you're OK.

Hello:

What is the exact difference between NM-D and NM wire?

Thanks

Dave

 

[ishiboo]

Southwire is excellent wire. The company HQ is located about 45 minutes from me. Their products are about the only brand of wire and cable you can buy around here.

In the US at least, I don't think there are any restrictions on mounting junction boxes in the area above a suspended ceiling. It is still accessible.

Charles

The only thing I dislike about the Southwire Romex (Yes, actual Romex!) is that the paper around the ground wire is practically stuck to it on the rolls I bought recently. The Romex brand name just appeared locally again, before that most places were carrying Cerrowire and I believe a different Southwire offering.

The Cerrowire has been fine too and the paper is easily removed

IMO all the recent NM-B in the big box stores around here seems to be nearly the same quality.

 

[ishiboo]

Hello:

What is the exact difference between NM-D and NM wire?

Thanks

Dave

Mostly the regulatory.

First, I think you mean NM-B... you only see NM when working on older stuff. Other than meeting the exact CEC codes like temperature range which may be a bit different, the only major difference I know if is that the grounding conductor is smaller.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

NM-B is the latest/greatest, with higher temp ratings, 90°C vs 60°C for the older NM. This is important when running Romex in hot attics and places where derating could be required, as temp derating due to high ambient temps is based on the amps listed in the column for the highest temp the wire is rated at.

Also many light fixtures now require 90°C wire entering the fixture and the older NM rated at 60°C cannot be used without splicing on 90°C wire before reaching the fixture.

Charles

 

[jvitez]

was always told that NM-D stands for non-metallic sheathed cable, dry. Can also be used in damp locations. Properly should be NM-D90, ie rated for 90 deg. NM-W, wet, NM-U, underground.

 

[6768rogues]

When I wired my house, I was buying 250 foot rolls of 12-2 NM for $26. Those days are gone.