Uncovered a code problem...

[TRA]

Last night I had an electrician run a 220 circuit to my garage. There is an outlet and light fixture on the ceiling that looked like it was run through conduit. I turns out someone cheaped out and just ran the wires from the switch, up the wall, and across the ceiling (under the drywall) and just stuck a ****** in the drywall to give the appearance of conduit being run. The building was built in 1985 and no issues yet (knock on wood), but now I can't shake this fear that our house is going to burn down.

 

[rockwithjason]

is it wire or romex cable? if it's romex don't sweat it. if it's just individual wires you still don't have a world shaking problem. just be careful when nailing or screwing in the area. i wouldn't go to the length of tearing it out just yet as it seems to work fine.

 

[Gary S]

is it wire or romex cable? if it's romex don't sweat it. if

Correct. In most jurisdictions, romex is the recommended wiring for residential work, and romex isn't run in conduit.

 

[TRA]

It's not romex...just standard solid core 14 awg wire. Would it be a wise idea to tie romex to the end of the current wire and pull that through to replace what I've got? I know that it isn't a dire situation, and until we found this I never thought about it, but now it's gnawing away at my brain.

 

[Mattlt]

What did the electrician have to say about it? Personally, I'd trust their opinion, since they've actually seen what it looks like.

 

[Willy Victor]

It's not romex...just standard solid core 14 awg wire. Would it be a wise idea to tie romex to the end of the current wire and pull that through to replace what I've got? I know that it isn't a dire situation, and until we found this I never thought about it, but now it's gnawing away at my brain.

I would try and pull romex but the wires may be stapled to a stud, in which case you are screwed.


Willy

 

[Romanova]

Just curious about the cost of the 220 circuit if you don't mind sharing?

 

[Bill K]

I may be inclined to cut a hole in the drywall and have a look see. You may discover somethimg else or nothing at all but gain peace of mind. Drywall is easy to repair, fires are hard to put out.

 

[TRA]

Confirmed that there isn't romex, and no ground wire. The only things hooked up to it are the garage light, and the outlet for the garage door opener. It's been ok for the past 25 years so I'm not too worried, but I'm going to have my brother in-law (electrician) fix it when he has some time available.

Before I get my brother in-law in there to fix it will a GFCI offer a little more safety?