UF cable for interior use

[Bigrhamr]

I was just checking out the electrical work being done in a friends pole barn. The electrician is using UF cable for the lighting and receptacles, the drops are in conduit up to about 12' high then it's left exposed on the high walls and underside of the roof. Is that a proper use for UF? And why? I usually see NM being used that way in barns but am guessing maybe it's not code to have it exposed??

 

[matt151617]

You could use it inside but it's more expensive than Romex and much more difficult to work with (stripping, etc). Same conductors inside, just different coatings.

 

[Bigrhamr]

Thanks. Yeah I didn't think it would be a problem to use indoors but wondered if there is a reason for it since it is more expensive.

 

[Norcal]

Perhaps the electrician has decided the pole barn is a damp location, NM cable is not allowed in damp or wet locations, UF is.

 

[porcupine73]

Maybe there's a local code requiring it in such locations?