Exposed Romex-nm

[mcgoo⁷14]

Been having a discussion about exposed Romex and I say it's fine except for it needs to be protected against physical damage which I thought was the 8-ft rule
So why doesn't it define physical damage and that the 8-ft rule doesn't come into play except for underground entrance

 

[mcgoo⁷14]

least need to fix the part where they took out a comma on the where necessary

 

[infinity]

Subject to physical damage is not defined by the NEC so it's up to the interpretation of the AHJ. For normal runs of NM cable there is no 8' protection rule.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Been having a discussion about exposed Romex and I say it's fine except for it needs to be protected against physical damage which I thought was the 8-ft rule
So why doesn't it define physical damage and that the 8-ft rule doesn't come into play except for underground entrance

How would you define it since many different wiring methods have rules that say you cannot install where subject to physical damage? For example both MC cable and NM have the same physical damage restriction, but I would permit AC in many locations that I would not permit NM.
As far as a height rule, there are many areas with amendments that require additional protection for exposed NM installed within 7' of the floor, but those are amendments and not part of the NEC.