after-thought engineering and code

[rt66electric]

There has been much discussion on the topic of putting romex in exterior pipe runs. Here is a twist on that. I often get residential calls to add A/C or other circuits. The most comon solution would be to run pipe up the outside wall, insert the romex, and continue the run either to or from the panel box via the attic space.

The code says no romex in wet locations. Exterior piping is considered "wet".

For every solution a new problem is created.

If a person were to cover the outside pipe with a thin piece of sheetmetal hat-track: similar to the way HVAC guys cover their copper lines, would it still be considered a wet location???? (use something similiar to a rain gutter downs spout, or siding channel)

I am looking for good way to solve this dilemma of changing from attic space legal romex to exterior legal circuits.

Is it best to run underground romex(UF-I think thick gray sssstufffff) from panel--to attic--to eave--to exterior pipe run? Without joints.

IMO it is a worse reliabity issue to have joints in a circuit run than put 10 ft of romex in a vertical conduit.

 

[iwire]

Why not just run UF?

 

[480sparky]

Why not just run UF?

Or install a WP box, and run THWN in the pipe from there.

 

[CopperTone]

I think everyone is guilty of sleeving romex through pvc at one time or another. Against the code yes - in reality - not that much of a big deal IMO.
However, I use uf cable now for the same situation you have described. It's less work than having a box at either end with splices in them and romex continuing on.
The pvc outside the house is always an absolute last resort for me. I'd rather use two closets lined up and make holes inside the closet and patch the holes.

 

[LarryFine]

If a person were to cover the outside pipe with a thin piece of sheetmetal hat-track: similar to the way HVAC guys cover their copper lines, would it still be considered a wet location???? (use something similiar to a rain gutter downs spout, or siding channel)

Absolutely. Even wires inside a submarine would still be in a wet location. (You know what I mean.) Inside conduit is not a location, nor is inside conduit inside a downspout sleeve.

If you merely want to use the conduit as a sleeve for a cable, then you need a cable that is wet-location rated.

I am looking for good way to solve this dilemma of changing from attic space legal romex to exterior legal circuits.

The "right" way would be to run the NM from the panel to a J-box, run W-rated conductors through a nipple through the wall, LB up the wall, LB back through the wall into another J-box (or the back of a receptacle box), and transition back to NM to the load.

Is it best to run underground romex(UF-I think thick gray sssstufffff) from panel--to attic--to eave--to exterior pipe run? Without joints.

As the others have said, yes. If you want no splices, the entire run has to be rated for every part of the run's locations.

IMO it is a worse reliabity issue to have joints in a circuit run than put 10 ft of romex in a vertical conduit.

That's a perfectly valid opinion. Every installation is different, and there's no single best method for every one of them.

 

[iwire]

Or install a WP box, and run THWN in the pipe from there.

Really, never would have thought of that.


He said he did not like extra splices.

IMO it is a worse reliabity issue to have joints in a circuit run than put 10 ft of romex in a vertical conduit

There is no reason he could not run UF from the panel up the pipe into the attic and on to the first device, at that point if the circuit continues he could run NM.:smile:

 

[LarryFine]

There is no reason he could not run UF from the panel up the pipe into the attic and on to the first device, at that point if the circuit continues he could run NM.:smile:

Once or twice, I've found myself in a crawlspase, splicing UF to NM, and wondering why I didn't just do that.

But, that was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

 

[Kdog76]

Our local AHJ does permit UF cable up the side of a building, but where it is subject to damage, it must be protected (e.g. sleeved in pipe). He then goes on to say if you sleeve UF in PVC going up the building, you have to either terminate the pipe in a wp j-box, OR use a type of weatherhead... His third point was to run UF cable thru the exterior wall, he asks "how would you seal the hole?". I told him I could use silicone caulk, but he will not permit that... Says after time it will get brittle, and not seal the opening.
I however, when NOT working in his jurisdiction have run UF cable up the side of the building... Sometimes I try to sneak it up along the corner of vinyl siding & tuck it neatly in place.

 

[LarryFine]

Sometimes I try to sneak it up along the corner of vinyl siding & tuck it neatly in place.

If you've got vinyl, run it behind the siding.

 

[glene77is]

He said he did not like extra splices.
There is no reason he could not run UF from the panel up the pipe into the attic and on to the first device, at that point if the circuit continues he could run NM.:smile:

I use UF across an attic, through a bushing/connector in the Eave,
and down the EMT. I figure this is cheaper than JB's and LB's and joints,
the final Time/Mat'l cost is on my side.

Intentionally passing through another circuits JB
would allow a conductor change-over.

I like the idea of switching at the First Device. Good idea.
:smile: