Romex (aka NM cable) should never be run exposed, EXCEPT between joists. That includes between studs. If it is exposed within easy access, it should be in conduit.

Does Romex need to be in conduit in garage?

As electrical wirings are found everywhere homeowners often wonder – can Romex be exposed in the garage? The short answer to the question is – no, you should never expose your Romex wiring in your garage. You should always cover Romex wiring on your property.

Can you have exposed Romex in a garage?





Exposed NM, NMC and NMS cable are allowed to be run in “one- and two-family dwellings, their attached or detached garages, and their storage buildings” by the National Electrical Code (NEC 334.10 and 334.15).

Does garage wiring need to be in conduit?

Many garages contain one or more walls made of concrete or already drywalled. Cable installed on these exposed surfaces has to be protected by conduit. We show EMT (electrical metallic tubing; Photo 7), but you can also use rigid PVC conduit.

Can Romex be run exposed?

Sheathing on Romex is made of tough polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thermoplastic. The sheathing on both 14 and 12 AWG wire is 19 mils thick. Still, no matter how strong the NM sheathing, it is not meant for exposed applications.

Is it code to run Romex in conduit?

No, you can not run your Romex wiring in conduits. What you’re looking at in the code book is referring to THHN and other wiring, that while insulated with a single coat is not insulated with a second covering and bound to 2 or 3 other wires.

Is it OK to use Romex in conduit?





Running Romex in a Conduit

When using any non metallic wire outdoor, including Romex, it is a good idea to run it through a conduit. Yes, they can be used outdoors, it is better to be safe than sorry. We recommend using a conduit when running the wire underground.

Can I strip Romex and run in conduit?

You can run type NM cable in conduit, as long as the conduit is sized appropriately, and is not in a wet or damp location. If you remove the sheath from the conductors inside NM cable, you cannot use the conductors for anything (anything electrical anyway).

What is code for wiring a garage?

Garage. As of the 2017 NEC, newly constructed garages need at least one dedicated 120-volt 20-amp circuit that serves only the garage. This circuit may also power receptacles mounted on the exterior of the garage. Inside the garage, there should be at least one switch controlling lighting.

What is code for outlets in garage?



210.52(G)(1) Garages.

In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in each vehicle bay and not more than 1.7 m (5 ½ ft) above the floor.

Does outdoor Romex have to be in conduit?

Does Exposed Romex Need to Be in Conduit? When using any non-metallic wiring in an outdoor application, you should run the wiring through a conduit. Using a conduit is ideal because it is always better to add more protection to exterior wiring than not enough protection.

Can you bury Romex without conduit?



According to the National Electric Code, regular romex wire must be housed in conduit if run outdoors. However, UF rated wire can be run without conduit.

Can you use indoor wire outdoors in conduit?

It’s important that you follow National Electrical Code (NEC) rules when running an indoor wire through a conduit outdoors. You need to ensure that the conduit is buried deep enough within the ground: 24 in. of earth cover for a UF cable, 18 in. of cover for a PVC conduit, and 6 in.

Can you run Romex in PVC conduit underground?

It’s rather common to protect or shield Romex with PVC in locations where (wet or not) it might be harmed by objects or people, but if you’re going to be running high voltage (120 V+) outdoor lighting or receptacles it’s a much better idea to just use UF, or PVC conduit and pull the THHN conductors through it as you …

What type of wire can be buried in conduit?

THWN-2 Copper Building



THHN and THWN-2 Copper Building Wire is only approved to be buried in conduct, as it lacks the characteristics that would make it eligible for direct burial. UF-B and USE-2 are the standard direct burial cables.

How deep does Romex need to be buried?

In general, bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. You may also run them at a depth of 4 inches under a 4-inch concrete slab. Under your driveway, the conduits must be below a depth of 18 inches, and under a public road or alleyway, they must be buried below 24 inches.