Wiring in in an outdoor structure

[JoeNorm]

I have a Gazebo to wire and wonder what rules apply for protecting the wire. Is it just the "subject to physical damage" thing and up to the inspector?

For instance, can I route out grooves in the wood, place wire, then cover and not worry about depths like I would have to do in a residence?

 

[Joethemechanic]

If I was doing a gazebo I'd be temped to do it with K&T with restored and updated antique fixtures.

You can't use wooden wiremold, but if it is full of UF, is it still wiremold. Sorry not really an answer, but that's just my train of thought

 

[JoeNorm]

I would use UF wire. My question is how I can route the wiring around an "exposed" wood structure? There are no stud bays to drill through and conceal the wire. Can I just hide the wire with wood trim since that is protection from at least most physical harm?

 

[ptonsparky]

Protect with raceway as needed, then cover decoratively.

 

[JoeNorm]

Protect with raceway as needed, then cover decoratively.

Is this code? Or is this sort of thing not addressed directly?

 

[charlie b]

Is this code? Or is this sort of thing not addressed directly?

The NEC has no interest in esthetics.

 

[coffeebean]

The NEC has no interest in esthetics.

I beg to differ, Article 110.12

 

[nizak]

I have a Gazebo to wire and wonder what rules apply for protecting the wire. Is it just the "subject to physical damage" thing and up to the inspector?

For instance, can I route out grooves in the wood, place wire, then cover and not worry about depths like I would have to do in a residence?

Last one I did I used a combination of PVC and FNMC. Stranded THHN.

It turned out quite nice.

I realize it all depends on the owners decision as to what they “ want to see”

Workmanship is key to making it aesthetically pleasing.

- plumb mounting of boxes
- consistent spacing of straps
- minimal fittings used
- SS screws for mounting

Done several this way and all customers were pleased.

 

[ptonsparky]

Protect with raceway as needed, then cover decoratively.

...if desired.
Not required.

 

[suemarkp]

I would argue that the wire is safer exposed than under some thin molding where no ones knows its there. You can run it up and down columns and put a 1x2 or 1x1 on either side of UF or MC cable. Routing a channel is the same idea if you don't compromise the structure that way. Up in the ceiling, it may be protected from damage by being high. The NEC doesn't give a lot of details about protection from physical damage, what constitutes that, and how to mitigate it. It seems to be up to the inspector unless you use any of the explicit means in the code book. EMT or PVC raceway stubs would certainly work too to protect a cable, or go all out and do it all in pipe.

If they were planning ahead, they could have built it with columns that were hollow in the center so you could fish a cable down it

 

[charlie b]

I beg to differ, Article 110.12

I was addressing the notion of decorative covering. Being workmanlike is not the same as being pretty, at least to the eye of someone not in our profession.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I would use emt over pvc. I believe it looks better in most applications.

 

[Joethemechanic]

If it were mine I'd do it in rigid with patina up the column, find an antique looking switch. and run K&T across the ceiling. Ceiling fan in the middle would be a plus.



Like I'd ever get around to all that work lmao

 

[Eddie702]

PVC and nonmetallic flex