Overhead Circuit

[sd4524]

Customer wants to replace the overhead knob and tube feed to his garage. It is a single 20 amp circuit. Underground is not a good option because of concrete cutting and trenching involved. I plan on installing ridgid mast and weatherheads with messenger wire. I'm wondering what type of wire to use. I see thwn is not sunlight resistant. UF? I think some types of mc cable might be allowable. What is a good cost effective wiring method? It only needs to be 12 gauge wire.

 

[kbsparky]

How long is the span?

I've seen uf cable used for such applications

 

[sd4524]

I was thinking of that too. The span is only about 12-15 feet. Something didn't seam right about using UF. Is UF marked as sunlight resistant?

 

[sd4524]

340.12 says it needs to be identified as sunlight resistant so I guess that it depends on the type of UF wire I use.

 

[iwire]

It is a code violation to run UF like arial cable. It is not designed for that and must be supported.


You could run a messenger between the points and strap UF to that.

 

[kwired]

Some people use the overhead messenger supported cable like what POCO's use.

I don't think these cables are recognized by NEC though, but some AHJ do not reject them.