Unfinished Garage wire

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bob91794

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I am getting ready to work on a garage that is unfinished, and will remain unfinished, with no walls on the inside. The 2x4 framing will be visible from the inside. This garage is not attached to the house, so no sheetrock is needed for a fire barrier. I have looked at the code, and I could not see anything wrong wtih running regular NMB cable and plastic (nail up) boxes. The wire would be visible, but stapled to the framing. I want some input, because all of the other garages I have wired have had the walls covered in sheetrock.

[ June 16, 2004, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: bob91794 ]
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

I think protection from physical damage could possibly be a concern. This will be a judgment call by you or the AHJ. Section 334.15(B) :)
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

If you find that it is permitted to drill through the studs and run the wires across the wall through them I would like to recommend doing this toward the top of the wall just below the sill plate. I have yet to enter into an unfinished garage and not find the space between wall studs used for storage and the wires are a handy way to support these items. Damage is a potential issue in this case as the wires are not designed to be used to support pry bars, lumber, etc.

Just a suggestion.

Bob
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

Bob, great idea. I suggest on the receptacles be installe at 4 ft 6 in to the floor, so a 4x8 sheet will not block them when leaned against the wall.
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

I think it is entirely up to the AHJ if the wire is subject to physical damage. My neighbor just had a detached garage built with just like the one you describe, and it was wired with plastic boxes and NM-B just like you described for your job. The inspector passed it.

Last year I did a detached garage that was finished on the inside with interlocked wooden planks, so all the wiring had to be done on the surface of the wall. I used EMT with THHN. Personally, I'd prefer to do your job with that method, but that's just me.
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

I have always used an 8 ft rule in open wall wiring.below 8 ft protect it with conduit,I prefer PVC and make terminations in 4 SQ`s.Have never been tagged for this installation.
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

Ive seen and wired dozens of detached garages and its always just nm and plastic boxes. 1 time a picky inspector made a guy I know nail strips of plywood over the horizontal runs but that was it. With the price of emt I would do it with nm for sure.

[ June 18, 2004, 09:12 PM: Message edited by: jes25 ]
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

Originally posted by bob91794: I am getting ready to work on a garage that is unfinished, and will remain unfinished, with no walls on the inside.
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How would any of us know that it ?will remain unfinished?? Just wondering. Do we have to take into consideration the possibility that the homeowner may elect to put up sheetrock at some later date? He certainly would not need an electric permit to do that job. And I would bet that a building permit for sheetrock would not address the electrical wiring that is about to become covered.
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

Originally posted by jimwalker:
Jeff, check the new prices on EMT and copper then tell me who can afford it
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Very true. I did the detached garage job last year, and I was shocked at the price increase when I bought EMT for a job this year. Back then, I used 3/4" EMT just because of the easier pulls, but now I stick to 1/2" when permissible because it costs half of what the 3/4" stuff goes for.
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

NM and other methods frequently are considered inferior methods to conduit use, but I disagree. As with most installtions, it all comes down to the installer. Most installers of raceway systems have had significant training on bending techniques and proper supporting, but in many cases NM installers are given little if any nstruction or training on proper installation and craftmanship.

I have seen very nice NM and MC jobs that I feel the use of EMT or RMC couldn't touch in quality and workmanship. Everything has its place. :)
 
Re: Unfinished Garage wire

Jim I agree but in a residential enviorment $$$$ and time is the key.That1s why i like using PVC when having to protect nm in acordance with 300.4 D when exposed wiring.Last year we did a house in south Tampa next door to a lot that the same builder was building on,2 homes almost the same except for options,2 different e.c`s we passed this way.They well $30.00 later and a week behind what`s that for Physiscal protection.Pipe it in. below 8 ft.I have always used this height and have never been gigged for it.Yeah you can use the rule limiting the length of the conductors that are in pipe 2 pieces of 14/2 nm in 3/4 pvc (don`t use 1/2 in..What protection does DW give ?1 1/4 rule ?Most people use 10 to 12 D nails and what are they 2 ins. ?2 1/4 didn`t check to see what is what.As long as at time of installation code is met.Well we can`t think what might be.
 
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