stardog
New member
- Location
- Houston, TX USA
I understand code requirements and limitations for the question I am about to ask, but in "real world" applications I also know that sometimes the envelope can be slightly pushed without any negative ramifications whatsoever. I also agree safety comes first. With all this in mind, I have a quick question.
Over ten years ago an electrician added a 20 amp circuit to the panel to power new receptacles that I added. It's an exterior panel box located near the soffit and under a 27" wide roof eave. I wasn't present during the installation, but when I had to access the panel recently I noticed that he ran 12-2 Romex from the top of the box via 3/4 inch PVC conduit into the soffit. The actual length of exposed conduit is maybe 10 inches or so. Technically this would be a code violation, but it was installed a decade ago, it is well protected from the elements under the eave, and there has never been an issue with the installation or actual wiring, or anything else. Granted, a future inspection may tag it, but until then I am not going to worry about it.
I am now having another 20 amp circuit installed, but to ensure I meet code I am plannning to use solid core 12 ga THHN from the panel, thru conduit, then into the unfinished attic. From there I will splice into 12-2 Romex for the run across the attic. So here's the question: Since 3/4" conduit is already in place to accomodate the previously installed 12-2 Romex, would there be an issue running the new THHN thru the same conduit, rather than going thru the hassle of punching out holes to add a new piece of PVC? I know there is a limit to the number of wires that can be run thru specifically sized conduit, but since the THHN is basically 3 separate wires, and not sheathed Romex, would it be permissable to run them alongside 12-2 Romex inside the same conduit, without potential negative consequences? Other than suffering the wrath of a future inspector.
Just wanted to get real world advice before the project gets underway. Tks.
Over ten years ago an electrician added a 20 amp circuit to the panel to power new receptacles that I added. It's an exterior panel box located near the soffit and under a 27" wide roof eave. I wasn't present during the installation, but when I had to access the panel recently I noticed that he ran 12-2 Romex from the top of the box via 3/4 inch PVC conduit into the soffit. The actual length of exposed conduit is maybe 10 inches or so. Technically this would be a code violation, but it was installed a decade ago, it is well protected from the elements under the eave, and there has never been an issue with the installation or actual wiring, or anything else. Granted, a future inspection may tag it, but until then I am not going to worry about it.
I am now having another 20 amp circuit installed, but to ensure I meet code I am plannning to use solid core 12 ga THHN from the panel, thru conduit, then into the unfinished attic. From there I will splice into 12-2 Romex for the run across the attic. So here's the question: Since 3/4" conduit is already in place to accomodate the previously installed 12-2 Romex, would there be an issue running the new THHN thru the same conduit, rather than going thru the hassle of punching out holes to add a new piece of PVC? I know there is a limit to the number of wires that can be run thru specifically sized conduit, but since the THHN is basically 3 separate wires, and not sheathed Romex, would it be permissable to run them alongside 12-2 Romex inside the same conduit, without potential negative consequences? Other than suffering the wrath of a future inspector.
Just wanted to get real world advice before the project gets underway. Tks.
