Using Regular MC Cable in Unfinished Basement

[infinity]

How would you know if a “normal” unfinished basement is a dry location, is that subjective?

It's dry unless there is some out of the ordinary condition. If one automatically classified all basements as a damp location then all switches and receptacles, etc. would required damp location covers.

 

[Mdsparky]

It's dry unless there is some out of the ordinary condition. If one automatically classified all basements as a damp location then all switches and receptacles, etc. would required damp location covers.

If it's damp by definition it's damp . Notice this graphic doesn't show damp rated covers .. violation? Or are indoor damp locations treated differently than outside damp locations ?

 

[Malywr]

If it's damp by definition it's damp . Notice this graphic doesn't show damp rated covers .. violation? Or are indoor damp locations treated differently than outside damp locations ? View attachment 2557506 View attachment 2557506

That is 2021 code
what code are your location on


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[grich]

"damp" basement is a relative term
View attachment 2557486

Here's a shot from the same storm, a nearby parking garage elevator. People in the car were rescued.

 

[AC\DC]

If it's damp by definition it's damp . Notice this graphic doesn't show damp rated covers .. violation? Or are indoor damp locations treated differently than outside damp locations on ? View attachment 2557506

That is their interpretation. You still have to go back and read the definition of damp location.
In the informational note “ interior location subject to moderate degrees of moisture”

If that mud is considered damp because of that little doggy throwing water off coat. then every house you enter from out of the rain be it living room ,entry room, bed room, etc would be considered damp location.

I would never see what they show as moderate degree of moisture

 

[augie47]

Here's a shot from the same storm, a nearby parking garage elevator. People in the car were rescued.
View attachment 2557507

Probably would make little difference in this case but I like that she is resting her hand on something with electrical components

 

[grich]

Probably would make little difference in this case but I like that she is resting her hand on something with electrical components

The news story said they rode the car down to the parking level, and water started "coming through the vents". I'm guessing by the time they knew they were in deep guano, the car would no longer respond, otherwise they would have ascended out of the flooded garage level.

There's a situational awareness lesson in here somewhere.

 

[Fred B]

These "damp" locations pictured in code illustration are requiring GFCI related to personal protection and are not related to the conductors requirements. Same related to the criteria that requires GFCI in a basement.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That graphic is wrong. A bathroom is not a damp location as you all probably know.

 

[drcampbell]

... if the basement is unfinished it’s considered a damp location ...

Is the flip side of this rule of thumb equally applicable? If I install furring strips and drywall in my 1927 basement, will it cease being damp?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is the 2020 informational note under Locations Damp. Notice bathroom is not mentioned but some basements may be considered damp....As a rule I don't think many basements are considered damp

I have never seen a bathroom considered as damp otherwise we would need damp location fixtures, and plates...

Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. (CMP-1)
Informational Note:
Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage warehouses.

 

[AC\DC]

The picture references a mud room not bathroom.

 

[Little Bill]

The picture references a mud room not bathroom.

I don't see bathroom either. the other room appears to be a pantry with some sort of washing area.
But maybe the dog is about to turn it into a bathroom!

 

[Mdsparky]

I think we should expect the interpretations from the inspection community of what is and what is not considered to be a damp to change to include locations we have always thought to be dry . They are teaching it at continuing education seminars ... it may take time but it is clearly on the way .
I would use the M.C. without concern .. On the other hand I replaced a smoke alarm in a basement the other day that was so damp that I questioned whether or not the alarm would be adversely affected and recommended a dehumidifier to the owner .

 

[infinity]

I agree a bathroom is not a damp location. You never see these in a bathroom.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The picture references a mud room not bathroom.

Yes but a mud room is even less of a damp location than a bathroom.. if that is possible hahaha

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Yes but a mud room is even less of a damp location than a bathroom.. if that is possible hahaha

Yet the panel statement for adding list item 11 to 210.8(A) said:

Indoor damp and wet locations was were added as there are indoor locations such as mud rooms that would benefit from having GFCI protection, and there may be such areas in a dwelling where the other locations listed such as within 6 feet of a sink do not apply.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yet the panel statement for adding list item 11 to 210.8(A) said:

How in the world is a mudroom damp? That is the most outrageous thing I ever heard. Why aren't there wp covers approved for damp location in the picture if that were the case. If they wanted gfci in a mud room then they should have said that rather than call the area damp. I can possible see an air lock room, which could be a mud room, but hw in the world can that be so in the picture shown

 

[nickelec]

I'm from NYC and we use MC and AC all the time in unfinished basements never once heard anything about it

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[Mdsparky]

Dennis if that's the most outrageous thing you've heard ? ... Well then , you just ain't living !