Basement Requirements

[wolfie45af]

I am re-wiring my house (most in old BX). There was an addition that was added a while ago that has NM wire routed to it. What is the requirements for a basement. I have friends that live in Toledo OH that state if the wire is in an unfinished basement, it has to be in conduit. My house is in Ottawa Lake, MI in Monroe County. Is he right? And if so, does this also apply to me? I know that Code says that it can be exposed NM wire, as long as it is in the joist space. Has this changed. Thanks.

 

[david]

Re: Basement Requirements

The simple answer is the rules in Toledo, Ohio most likely are different then those in Ottawa Lake, MI.

The National Electric Code allows NM cable as open runs in basements. However where this cable is exposed to physical damage it would need some additional protection. One way to provide protection to cable exposed on wall surfaces would be the use of conduit.

Check with your local inspector.