Did I chose wrong?
Dedicated AC line - Contractor wants to use BX instead of romex
I’m having a dedicated in wall AC cable run, about 40-50 ft. I was planning on using VH audio cryo’d 10-2 Romex but the contractor wants to use BX since it’s an urban area and more impervious to mice, etc.
Any thoughts on this?
Also I was planning on wiring the end of the run with an 20 Amp IEC connector so I could plug it directly into my Niagara 7000. I don’t know if they will wire it this way but I thought I could always do that myself later.
Any thoughts on this?
Also I was planning on wiring the end of the run with an 20 Amp IEC connector so I could plug it directly into my Niagara 7000. I don’t know if they will wire it this way but I thought I could always do that myself later.
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- 52 posts total
I would not want/use regular AC armor cable, (commonly called BX cable), to feed audio equipment. If AC must be used spec AC HCF only. Example of regular and HCF AC cable: https://www.afcweb.com/cross-reference/comparison-ac-mc-cables/ Look at the diagrams of each shown at the bottom of each. Example of construction of regular AC cable: https://www.afcweb.com/ac-hcf-armored-cables/ac-lite-armored-cable/ Example of AC HCF cable: https://www.afcweb.com/ac-hcf-armored-cables/hcf-90-health-care-facilities-armored-cable/ IF MC (Metal Clad) cable is allowed it is recommended over AC cable for branch circuit wiring to feed audio/video equipment. MC is even recommended over MN (Romex) cable. AC and MC are not the same. . |
As a result the most likely best path forward is to use the hi purity copper in conduit.It’s just 10-2 with ground NM (Romex) cable that has been sent out and cryoed. (Not by the manufacturer). I wonder what the electrical inspector would say about that? OP said: I was planning on using VH audio cryo’d 10-2 Romex |
WOW I am a recently retired electrician (35 years) and what needs to be said here is we need to be careful of your opinions when you don’t have the knowledge. This could be dangerous to life and property. Sometimes the local codes are contrary to what we want for our high end audio. There are reasons for the local amendments to the NEC and these local amendments must be adhered too. I’m not going to try to educate everyone on this site but some of the answers show a lack of understanding to the trade. This is where the danger is. When we choose to ignore this that is where we get in trouble. Always remember the NEC is written to prevent electrical fire which are usually catastrophic. I love my audio like we all do but not at the cost of life safety. Enjoy safely |
- 52 posts total