Use of Type UF Cable for AC Unit

[sparks]

Is Type UF cable permitted to be used as the supply from an AC disco to the unit without any support when installed outdoors?

I can't seem to find any sop where this is OK, please let me know.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Sparks,

Most of the time when we are installing these units we use " liquid tight " for the application and install conductors rated for wet locations. Now I will have to admit many electricians just sleeve 10-2 NM inside the pipe which I am sure could raise a entirly new debate.....

However, because of the risk of damage we install " liquidtite" and pull UF cable within it......Sure some will say you should pull individual conductors of like THWN and so on.....which is probably the best.....but in the real world I do not believe we have been turned down for a short 2-3' UF sleeved within Liquidtight.....I like it better than people sleeving NM Cable within it because NM is not rated for the wet location existant in conduit.

Ok...can you run UF to the AC unit from the disconnect.....hmmm.....Is it subject to physical damage?....Probably....another note is UF should be sized based on 60 degree ratings as listed in table 310.16

If you sleeve it...support it 12" from the enclosure.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lol...Sad thing is "Liquid Tight " is not protection from Physical Damage either really........but AHJ's have never really had a issue with it.

Either way....of the choices.....I would write up the UF as being exposed to damage......

[Greg Fretwell]

I am guessing that means it was a bootleg job. Is this common around your area? May be right or could have more serious problems of an HVAC nature, like a bad charge.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Not sure I follow you Greg.......Bootleg Job?

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

Greg,
Bootlegged connections and runs abound here out the wahzoo. I routinely find a handyman has installed wiring to an AC unit. They have been known to run NM, UF outside (literally coming out of the soffit down to the unit, no NM clamps) I found one not long ago the fella had run the NM from inside the Air handler closet down through the line set chase out to the outdoor unit. It was bright yellow too for all the world to see. Another time I found someone had used green garden hose for a "sorta" liquidtight FMC to run cable (again NM) out to their shed. Its like anything goes here if you can get away with it.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

OHHH..SNAP....you mean the UF to the AC unit as being BOOTLEG...done by a handyman....DANG...I was SLOW on that......

[Greg Fretwell]

The best case might be an HVAC guy moonlighting who just didn't have any sealtite on the truck
Worst case would be a stolen unit installed by a handyman working out of his trunk.
I would also be looking at shortcuts they took in the ductwork and other issues

[David P. Valley]

"How to install outdoor wiring"
http://www.dulley.com/diy/dw107.htm

[Bruce A. King]

http://www.dulley.com/diy/dw107.htm

This article states that the NEC requires #12 for all residential wiring....

When did this change ?

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Bruce,

Are you refering to that comment line in the article you posted which I have re-posted below:

"The National Electrical Code now requires No. 12 gauge wire for all residential electrical wiring."

News to me.........We are buying # 14 AWG everyday...and just for the record I am NOT one of those who believe every plug in the house should be 12 AWG...sure it has more capacity....but if you KNOW what you are doing and size it correctly...14 AWG is fine...

I am not aware of any stoppage of # 14 AWG....atleast not in the CODE book I use...thehehehe

[Greg Fretwell]

That's one problem I see in all of these "wiring made easy" books. They don't know what the code says

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Agreed......Anyone can write a book...the research is the important part.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by bking

http://www.dulley.com/diy/dw107.htm

This article states that the NEC requires #12 for all residential wiring....

When did this change ?

That is strange...

But I can say that 90% of Electricians (in Massachusetts) installing wiring in new construction today, utilize 12 AWG.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

David,

could be quite possible, however in VA or atleast in the area's I deal with....14 AWG is used with no problems and has been in use since 1928 when NM Cable was introduced.

I do not have a problem wiring 14 AWG for bedrooms and general lighting...and guess what...I have done 1,000's of homes....no reports of random tripping yet.....tehehehhe

If the client requests 12 AWG we most certainly will run it, they have to also be aware of the additional charge for wire and labor associated with running more 12 AWG wire.

Ok..for those who say that is not a big difference in labor...they obviously have not done alot of houses in 12 AWG....Kitchens are bad enough...but the entire house....murder in mid-winter....

I dont have a problem with it either way...Both work fine to me as it ends up being on the shoulders of the electrician to wire the branch circuits correctly and break up the wiring to reduce any potential for Voltage Drop....remember 50' is still a long way...considering all the factors envolved like panel placement and so on....

14 AWG....12 AWG...its all good.....