Spray painting NM cable?

[sw_ross]

I’m working in an older log home that has a vaulted ceiling (no attic).
I need to get a 14-3 up to the peak for a ceiling fan/light.
I thought about using wiremold but I’d like to have the wire be discreet.
I’m thinking about tucking the wire up against a log and trying to camouflage it by spray painting it before installing it.

anyone ever spray paint NM cable? Is there any issues with the paint interacting with the sheath material (chemical degradation)?

The route along the log is not uniform so I can’t cover the cable with a trim board.

 

[Little Bill]

I don't know the legality or possible reaction to the type of paint, but I have seen lots of NM that was painted with no ill effects.

 

[d0nut]

I would think it would look better in conduit. I think it will be difficult to keep the NM as straight as you could keep the conduit. If it looks like the installation was done on purpose and not as an afterthought, it will probably be less noticeable even if the conduit installation is larger than the NM installation.

 

[LarryFine]

I would explore getting the wire between the ceiling and the roof, even if you have to enter from outside in the eave.

 

[SSDriver]

What about the issue of having the NM cable exposed without a furring strip?

 

[Little Bill]

What about the issue of having the NM cable exposed without a furring strip?

NM cable can be exposed without a furring strip.

 

[SSDriver]

NM cable can be exposed without a furring strip.

LOL, I haven't done residential work in probably 15 years other than a few panel change outs. I thought it always had to be concealed, my memory must be getting bad.

 

[retirede]

LOL, I haven't done residential work in probably 15 years other than a few panel change outs. I thought it always had to be concealed, my memory must be getting bad.

It cannot be exposed if “subject to physical damage”. Subjective judgment.

 

[GoldDigger]

As long as the exposed portion of the NM is high enough up the wall or ceiling that contact is unlikely, the AHJ will usually consider it protected from physical damage.