When is conduit required?

[RiderCoach]

Hi everyone. First time poster here. I ran across this site while trying to research whether or not I need to run conduit in my unattached garage. I'm bleary eyed from all my reading both here and elsewhere. I am sure the answer exists but I have not been able to fine it.

I am running 220v/50a from a detached garage to another detached garage about 50 feet away. I ran a 2" conduit underground and have pulled 6/3 UF-B w/ ground through it. My question concerns the feed from the panel in the source garage.

I can run from the feed panel up to the attic and then over to a corner where I need to drop down in the corner of the wall (pretty well protected by shelving and cabinets) through a wall penetration and into the underground conduit. The wall is sheathed with plywood and would be difficult to get into. Do I need to run conduit if I run the cable on the outside of the plywood? The remainder of the garage is completly unfinished.

I have a photo but haven,t figured out how to post it here .

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks All

 

[pattenp]

NEC states exposed cable is to follow surfaces of building finish or running boards and exposed cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by using conduit. So there is some judgement to be made and what you judge may not be the same as an inspector may say.

 

[djb2]

Is the question about what is required by code? That's a very local issue.

In general, conduit is required where the cable is exposed to possible damage or exposed to the elements. A sheathed cable protected behind drywall generally does not need conduit. If there is open framing (common with detached garages, uncommon with attached garages) the local electrical code will vary.

Those variations are usually for good reason. Your area might have more of a problem with rodents or insects damaging electrical cables, or a history of shoddy practices resulting in electrical fires.

 

[RiderCoach]

Thank you guys. Sounds like when in doubt go with conduit. I think I'll check with our building permit folks. I appreciate your insights.

Best,
Dave