2. cables
  3. 195413-176716

What wire to use instead of Romex

I want to install a dedicated 20amp outlet (likely an AQ NRG). The run from the main panel in the garage to my living room above is relatively short - maybe 25 or 30 feet. Because of HOA rules/regs, I cannot use Romex. Wires in the garage must be inside conduit. I will run 10AWG, but I'm unsure what other specs I should implement. Should I use solid core or stranded? Should it be copper? Is BX the way to go? I've read where using stranded silver or silver tungsten is best, but I'd be concerned about the silver oxidizing/tarnishing over time, especially at the junction points where the wire has no insulation. Is it important to twist the three (including ground) wires or will they perform just as well if run side-by-side? 

roccity

Showing 1 response by devinplombier

devinplombier
904 posts
 

If you want to shield the twisted pair more than it is naturally, run it in copper pipe.

Please be kind to the demo crew that will take your house down in 10 or 25 years and don't do this. There's a reason specific, easily identifiable conduits exist for each purpose: so that future workers will know at a glance what's in it. Running power conductors inside plumbing tubing is complete idiocy.

More to discover