NM cable wet/damp locations

[jmellc]

NM is one topic where I want to say "A pox on all of you!"

The question boils down to: is NM safe, or not?

Personal arguments aside, let's look at the positively schitzo position of the NEC:
NM is considered proven and safe, as evidenced by the expanding acceptance of it.
NM is considered unreliable, delicate, and dangerous, as evidenced by the AFCI issue.
Modern materials make NM as water-resistant as a submarine ... yet we've disallowed its' use in even slightly damp areas.

Then there is the perennial argument about running NM in pipe, for distances short and long. Sometimes the discussions sound like missionaries arguing over which veggies the Cannibals should add to the stew pot!

But all this happens when we get hit with new rules, new interpretations, etc. & get failed inspections for stuff that was standard procedure for a long time. No one just woke up today & said "I'm going to make this an issue today". People were taught by good electricians & kept up largely the same ways of doing until getting hit in the face with issues about it.

I agree about the schizo NEC on this & a few other issues. I have lost a lot of respect for the code the last few years.

 

[jumper]

NM is one topic where I want to say "A pox on all of you!"

The question boils down to: is NM safe, or not?

Personal arguments aside, let's look at the positively schitzo position of the NEC:
NM is considered proven and safe, as evidenced by the expanding acceptance of it.
NM is considered unreliable, delicate, and dangerous, as evidenced by the AFCI issue.
Modern materials make NM as water-resistant as a submarine ... yet we've disallowed its' use in even slightly damp areas.

Then there is the perennial argument about running NM in pipe, for distances short and long. Sometimes the discussions sound like missionaries arguing over which veggies the Cannibals should add to the stew pot!

I am sure there is a point to this post, but I gotta admit: It escapes me.:?

 

[jumper]

So are you saying we can legitimately pass through an exterior wall directly into the back of a panel on the exterior of the wall and still use NM cable?

Rumor has it that yes you can.