Can I use Romex in an unfinished basement or attic?

Code and common sense both dictate that Romex shouldn’t be left exposed but must run through conduits. If you are running it through the basement or attic (or both), the wire must past through studs or be secured on top of joists or trusses.

Can Romex be exposed in basement?

Romex is fine when it is inside a wall/ceiling/floor because it is protected from puncture/cuts/etc. but if it is just running along the exposed walls of a basement that is not up to code.

Does Romex have to be in conduit?

Yes, NM cable can be in conduit. In fact. NEC calls for it to be in conduit, when protection from physical damage is required.

What kind of wire should I use in my attic?

Wiring in the attic is typically a non-metallic cable (NM cable). It is allowed in most areas of the US, but not all. Make sure to double-check with the home builder. However, if it is in an existing home, check with your local professional electrician or home inspection company.

Can Romex be run under joists?

It is okay to staple Romex along the floor joists, provided you keep it at a safe distance from the edge. This will help you protect it from screws and nails and any critters that may be crawling along the edges – since that is where insects usually decide to burrow. You can also run Romex THORUGH floor joists.

Can Romex be exposed in attic?

Yes. NM cable may be exposed in attic. This is very common in modern dwellings. Armored cable / MC is not necessary in your case.

Can you run Romex in concrete?

Yes, Romex can pass through concrete without any additional protection, but it should not be exposed to a situation where it may suffer physical damage.

How do I run Romex in my basement?

Running Romex Wire in Basement



You will have to drill a hole in the floor plate (attic) and roof or wall plate (basement) to run the wire. Make sure it is in the same wall cavity as the outlet you are trying to run the Romex to, since you can’t leave it exposed. To run the wire through this hole, use a coat hanger.

How do you run electrical wire in an unfinished basement ceiling?

Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductors directly to the lower edges of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on running boards.

Can you sleeve Romex in PVC?

PVC pipe may be used in place of PVC conduit if the PVC pipe has been manufactured to meet safety requirements on flame and temperature resistance, but because PVC conduit isn’t pressure tested, PVC conduit cannot replace PVC pipe. Romex is allowed in conduit, length is not an issue.

Can you run Romex over rafters?

Yes, unless its in an inaccessible place. like behind an air handler or something Here we can only run NM across the joists if it falls within the 2′ area where measured from the top of the ceiling joist to the bottom of the roof rafter, and we have to secure every 4′.

Can Romex be ran in a crawl space?

If your crawl space is normally dry, you can use non-metallic wires such as Romex. However, if you find that the crawl space is damp, we recommend using a UF (underground feeder) wire.

Does Romex need to be stapled?

Quote from the video:
It actually says under securing and supporting non-metallic sheath cable shall be supported and secured by staples cable ties listed and identified for securement.

How do you secure Romex 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.

How far does Romex need to be supported?

Article 336-18 stated that cable must be secured in place at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet (1.37 m) and within 12 inches (305 mm) from every cabinet, box, or fitting.

How far can you run Romex?

As an example, for a 120-volt circuit, you can run up to 50 feet of 14 AWG cable without exceeding 3 percent voltage drop.



For 240-volt circuits:

What size wire do I need to run 300 feet?

for 300 feet for 100 amp rated service I would use Aluminum direct burial 1/0-1/0-1/0-1/0, the forth can be as low as #4 for the ground (but also in conduit, even if in conduit must still be rated underground wire and required by code also) Also note the size wire the breaker can handle, cannot cut strands to make fit, …

Can you bury Romex wire?

Romex is a brand name for non-metallic paper bonded cable (NM-B, as printed on the jacket) with a PVC jacket. This is why type UF is suitable for burying and wet locations (or dry) where NM-B cable is suitable only for very specific dry locations.

What wire size do I need to go 100 feet for a 60 amp service to a workshop?

For 60 amps #6 wire is the right size. Use RHW or THHN type insulation.

Can I use a 60 amp breaker with 6 gauge wire?

For 60 ampere breakers, electricians and professionals suggest using a wire size gauge ranging from 6 AWG to 4 AWG. All household wires have a rating of at least 600V, so only amperage really matters when it comes to determining wire gauge.

What size wire do I need for 30 amps at 200 feet?

A 4 AWG wire is ideal for conducting 30 amps of current over 200 feet. You might even opt for a 3 AWG wire if you wish because the more influential the diameter, the more amount of electricity It can convey.