exposed 12-2 uf wire under deck

[andyrq1]

Can I use 12-2 uf wire to wire a lighting circuit under a deck?
It seems like exposed uf would have to be protected under 8' like it's required for nm cable.
The circuit will be gfi protected. Lighting is for around a hot tub, more than 5' from the hot tub's edge.

Thanks much.
Andy

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I do it all the time. There should be no reason not to use it.

 

[Rewire]

Is the wire under trhe deck or is the light under the deck ?Is it subject to physical damage?

 

[tallguy]

Is the wire under trhe deck or is the light under the deck ?Is it subject to physical damage?

That's going to have to be up to your AHJ/inspector. There are not written standards for this, just accepted practices/norms, which vary widely by region & jurisdiction.

If you post again with some info about your locale, you might get some feedback. Or you could ask your AHJ in advance.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If the wire is stapled parallel to the joists I cannot see how this can be subject to damage. Even if you can walk under the deck, I don't see an issue.

 

[benmin]

An OK installation where I am but the AHJ in your area may consider the UF subject to physical damage and not alow it.

 

[mdshunk]

You'd have to have something pretty serious going on under your deck to damage UF fastened to the joists. I'm thinking along the lines of maybe some mining activity?

 

[M. D.]

Some inspectors view anything exposed outside as STPD ,.. and no that is not a sexually transmitted disease ,... but if you add a couple letters it is stupid

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If an inspectors turns down UF under a deck then he should turn down NM cable in a crawl space.

Regecting UF under a deck is the most ridiculous interpretation I have heard of in a while. I would fight that one adamantly.