skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Do exposed wires require conduit?

14 years ago

I would like to install a light switch in a utility area (i.e. exposed studs). Can I simply run an electrical wire to a switch box or is a conduit required since the insulated wire is exposed. (I was told the code requires conduit where the wires run down the surface of the concrete block wall.)

Comments (4)

Ron Natalie
14 years ago
As far as the NEC is concerned, NM cable is allowed to follow the building surface exposed as long as there's no chance of physical damage.
Billl
14 years ago
Your local government can pass codes that are stricter than national standards though.
Related Professionals
Alhambra General Contractors · Buena Park General Contractors · Green Bay General Contractors · Greensburg General Contractors · Montclair General Contractors · Norwell General Contractors · Phoenix Solar Energy Systems · Chatsworth Solar Energy Systems · Hemet Solar Energy Systems · Wakefield Solar Energy Systems · West Jordan Solar Energy Systems · Boston Home Automation & Home Media · Jamaica Plain Home Automation & Home Media · Kissimmee Home Automation & Home Media · Manhattan Beach Home Automation & Home Media
kevin1900
14 years ago
Surface? That's news to me. You can follow along the top of rafters, the sides of studs, the bottoms of floor joists. But along a block wall you need conduit.

Easy way to find out - ask your inspector.
brickeyee
14 years ago
"But along a block wall you need conduit."

Must be a local requirement.

The most the NEC would require is a piece of 1x beside the cable.

Or you could pull NM into the core of the blocks.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

DESIGN DICTIONARY Conduit

A conduit inside a building serves as a channel for electrical cables and wires

0

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: When a Permit Is Required and When It's Not

By Matt Clawson

In this article, the first in a series exploring permit processes and requirements, learn why and when you might need one

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Home Fixes That Require a Pro

By Lisa Frederick

With some home improvements, your best tool might be the phone. Here are some areas in which it pays to make the call

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: The Intriguing Effects of Exposed Framing

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Reveal the structure of your home for interesting design opportunities and eye-catching visual effects

ACCESSORIES How to Hide Those Messy Wires

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Untangle Yourself From Ugly Electrical Cords With a Few Tricks and Accessories

MATERIALS Show Off the Bones of Your Home With Exposed Finishes

There can be beauty in raw materials. Display them with care, and the effect is surprisingly warm and welcoming

LIGHTING Guest Picks: Exposed Bulb Lighting

Celebrate the filament bulb with 20 stylish lighting options

CONTRACTOR TIPS Your Complete Guide to Building Permits

By Matt Clawson

Learn about permit requirements, the submittal process, final inspection and more

HOME TECH Ready to Bid Good Riddance to Charging Cords?

A new breed of base stations will reduce wires, decluttering homes and saving sanity everywhere

HOME TECH Save Your Decor — Hide Your Media Stuff

By Eco+Historical, Inc.

When you tuck boxes, wires and speakers into walls and ceilings, all you'll notice is your favorite shows or music

Sponsored

The Creative Kitchen Company

47 Reviews

Franklin County's Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

More Discussions

South Wire Romex brand 14 -22 Vs Republic Wire Inc brand 14-2 wire?

2

Low Voltage LED lights & Transformer size

4

Samsung Frame TV over a fireplace

13

Kitchen backsplash Dilemma

10

challenging lighting situation - under upper flight of stairs

1