nm to exterior lights

[jetlag]

I know this threat has appeared before but no one seemed to agree. Can you run nm to exterior lights under the soffit or in a covered porch ceiling. It seems to me this is only a damp location. Some argue it must be uf if wire penetrates exterior surface. What if the box is flush mounted, it seems the cable doesnt penetrate the surface that way . Im not talking about recessed fixtures, but what is the code on that to.

 

[Cavie]

I know this threat has appeared before but no one seemed to agree. Can you run nm to exterior lights under the soffit or in a covered porch ceiling. It seems to me this is only a damp location. Some argue it must be uf if wire penetrates exterior surface. What if the box is flush mounted, it seems the cable doesnt penetrate the surface that way . Im not talking about recessed fixtures, but what is the code on that to.

Romex is just fine for this application.

 

[jetlag]

Thanks cavie

Thanks cavie

I know how to spell thread ,, ha ha figured I better correct before someone cracks joke

 

[AV ELECTRIC]

I believe the code is looking at the exposed areas of the covered porch as being a damp location . If the roof and ceiling below are covered and sealed from the elements I would consider it a space like a flat roof install on a house without an attic and not consider this a damp location.

 

[480sparky]

The word 'under', and in 'under the soffit' may cause confusion. "Behind" may be a better term.

If you mean 'under' as in concealed by the soffit, then you're fine. But 'under' as 'below, or towards the ground', then it would mean exposed and would not be allowed.

If you intend to take the NM from behind the soffit and into a box, as long as the box is WP, then that's legal. You just can't run it into a raceway outside the soffit.