Romex under patio eave...Question

[David Nasser]

This is for exterior lights connected to eaves....
Should the wire runs be in conduit?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

"Romex" (NM) does not belong in conduit, and it is not allowed for use in damp/wet locations.

So the answer to your question is "no," but this wiring method is improper for exterior lighting.

[Bob Elliott]

What Jeff said as you should never double insulate conductors.

[Robert Meier]

I agree that standard NM cable is not permitted in wet or damp locations. NM cable is permitted to be pulled into a raceway providing that the allowable raceway fill is followed.

[John Gromkoski]

Originally Posted by jpope

"Romex" (NM) does not belong in conduit, and it is not allowed for use in damp/wet locations.

So the answer to your question is "no," but this wiring method is improper for exterior lighting.

I have seen Romex rated for exterior use.

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by jpope

"Romex" (NM) does not belong in conduit, and it is not allowed for use in damp/wet locations.

So the answer to your question is "no," but this wiring method is improper for exterior lighting.

Thanks Jeff...Im will use this statement...

( wiring method is improper for exterior lighting. )

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

I have seen Romex rated for exterior use.

You're correct, there is a cable, NMC that is listed for damp and wet locations but it's a pretty rare cable type .

II. Installation
334.10 Uses Permitted.
Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cables shall be permitted to be used in the following:
(1) One- and two-family dwellings.
(2) Multifamily dwellings permitted to be of Types III, IV, and V construction except as prohibited in 334.12.
(3) Other structures permitted to be of Types III, IV, and V construction except as prohibited in 334.12. Cables shall be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.
FPN No. 1: Types of building construction and occupancy classifications are defined in NFPA 220-2006, Standard on Types of Building Construction, or the applicable building code, or both.
FPN No. 2: See Annex E for determination of building types [NFPA 220, Table 3-1].
(4) Cable trays in structures permitted to be Types III, IV, or V where the cables are identified for the use.
FPN: See 310.10 for temperature limitation of conductors.
(A) Type NM. Type NM cable shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations except as prohibited in 334.10(3)
(2) To be installed or fished in air voids in masonry block or tile walls
(B) Type NMC. Type NMC cable shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For both exposed and concealed work in dry, moist, damp, or corrosive locations, except as prohibited by 334.10(3)
(2) In outside and inside walls of masonry block or tile
(3) In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, or adobe protected against nails or screws by a steel plate at least 1.59 mm ( in.) thick and covered with plaster, adobe, or similar finish

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

I have seen Romex rated for exterior use.

http://www.paigeelectric.com/specs/P7295D.pdf

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

I have seen Romex rated for exterior use.

As have I, but chances are slim to none that the right type is in use here.

[Tim Spargo]

I gotta agree... just about anytime we see NM on the exterior, or in a garage or a host of other places... it's likely wrong in some way shape or form.

What you think about a CA checklist for NM and/or visible wiring practices Jeff? Pics of correct/incorrect EMT fittings and so on.. just the basics/common stuff. Most places we see sched 40 should be RMC and so on.

Just an idea.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

What are you waiting for Tim? Get it started and I'll be happy to contribute

[Russel Ray]

Our electricians here (as well as the courts) don't mind if it's unprotected as long as it's seven feet or above. If it's lower than that, they want it protected, usually in a raceway.

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by rray

Our electricians here (as well as the courts) don't mind if it's unprotected as long as it's seven feet or above. If it's lower than that, they want it protected, usually in a raceway.

What do the courts have to do with it?

[Russel Ray]

Lawsuit that actually went to court rather than being settled out of court.

[John Gromkoski]

How about this arrangement?