Help running romex and conduit for new outlet through cold air return

Can you run Romex through cold air return?

On the other hand, it’s common practice to run Romex perpendicularly across a panned stud cavity or joist bay used as a cold air return duct. In such a case, we drill into the framing on both sides of the panned return, pull the cable through the holes, then seal the holes around the Romex with caulk.

How do I run my cable through a cold air return?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I can use the cold air return as a conduit. So i can pass my cable through to get it into the basement where i need it so i've got 100 feet of ethernet cable.

Is it OK to run wire through cold air return?

Re: Electrical wire crossing cold air return duct



In any event it will not hurt anything to be on the safe side.

Is it OK to run Romex through 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.

Can you run electrical wires through air ducts?

Air ducts are meant as a conduit for air, not wires. Inserting cables inside the ductwork may even violate building codes. The reason we don’t advise this is because a technician can damage the cables during an air duct cleaning.

What type of wiring should be used in ventilation ducts?

Electrical metallic tubing, rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, armored cable, metal-clad cable without a nonmetallic cover, and flexible metal conduit can be installed in environmental air spaces.

Can you run electrical wire next to plumbing?

You can definitely run wires close to plumbing wires, provided you aren’t running a bare or damaged copper wire next to steel pipes. According to the code, you can run plumbing and electrical wires through the same hole, but you need to make sure the wire is well insulated and there is no risk of ruptures.

Where are wiring systems allowed in ducts?

In NEC 300.22(B), wiring methods are only permitted within ductwork (containing environmental air) if necessary for the direct action upon, or sensing of, the air contained inside the duct. Duct detectors (ductwork smoke detectors) are one example.

What is MC cable?

MC Cable, by most common definition, is a factory assembly of one or more insulated circuit conductors enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape or a smooth or corrugated metal sheath.

How many wires can you run through conduit?

Allowable Conduit Fill Capacities

Can you use indoor Romex outside in conduit?

Romex wires cannot be used outdoors because, if it gets wet with water, gas, oil or another solvent, these liquids could penetrate the jacket and ruin the connection by getting in contact with the bare copper ground wire.

When should I use conduit electrical wiring?

Conduit typically is used only where circuit wires are exposed (or surface-mounted or buried) and therefore need protection from damage or moisture. Conduit offers protection to electrical wires that run in exposed locations.

Should electric cables be in conduit?

All cables should either be contained in steel conduit or protected by 30mA RCD. If these two cannot be met, then the cables should be installed at least 50mm (2″) from the surface.

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.

Does wire in attic need to be in conduit?

No, conduit is NOT required in attics. Not unless conduit is required in your area. There are other factors involved in wiring in attic spaces, but your question is a bit too vague to go into that.

Can you lay insulation over electrical wires in attic?

Yes, you absolutely can. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Making sure that the insulation is of a fiberglass material will not only ensure a fireproof setup but also reduce airflow from the home through the attic.

Can you run Romex in a garage?

Romex electrical wiring has at least two non-metallic sheath conductors under the sheath. Again, due to its flame-resistant, moist-resistant coating, Romex electrical wiring can be used in the basement, garage, or cooler spaces.

Is it safe to run extension cord in attic?

DON’T use extension cords to connect wires in the attic or above suspended ceilings/ANYWHERE. These are just accidents waiting to happen. A common violation is found in the installation of ceiling-mounted electrical equipment like projectors in training and meeting rooms (as in the following photo).

How do you protect electrical wires in the attic?

Protecting the cable is as simple as installing “substantial guard strips”, which can simply be a 1×2 furring strip on each side of the cable. If there’s no permanent stairs or ladder, this protection only has to be provided to cables within 6 ft. of the entrance of the attic.

Can you use extension cords as permanent wiring?

Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.