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?
Do let me know for curiosity sake, it’s CSA approved here. I also run into many houses where 12 three was used in duplex boxes, that can get complicated and I personally don’t recommend it anymore, but it is legal. And I should add and don’t know that this would make a difference but the four wires and two duplex are in a double box.
|
2011 NEC 210.7 was added to NEC. FWIW, in the US if you wired the duplex outlets as you have them wired before the 2011 NEC was adopted by the state, or AHJ governing body for the county or city you live in, they would be grandfathered in. I have no Idea what Canada electrical code says. FWIW, I usually look up the username of a member before responding to a post of theirs. Don’t know why I missed looking you up. My bad. I wasted your time as well as mine on the subject. I found this doing a quick Google search. CEC Versus NEC: What’s the Difference? . |
@roccity said:
Best and cheapest way is to have the electrician install 10-2 solid copper MC cable. You will save on labor and material. Labor is your biggest cost. He may even be able to run the MC cable up inside the wall and recess the electrical outlet box. Just a suggestion for the electrician use a deep i gang cut-in switch box. He will appreciated the added space for make up of the duplex outlet to the #10 solid wire. FYI if you would like 4 receptacle outlets have him install a 2 gang deep cut-in switch box for two duplex outlets.
|
Sorry, but I strongly disagree with the use of steel clad cables.You don't want magnetic materials anywhere near a conductor! I used a hand twisted pair of solid copper (Simple, I stripped the insulation from 10g Romex) and ran an insulated ground wire seperated by about 2-3" from the twisted pair. Note, I doubt this meets strict code ANYWHERE. 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. |
