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Code Question Of The Day Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Question: Subject: Romex Outside of Residence Doing a service upgrade where we added a new outside panel and re-routed all circuits to it. We attached short pieces of 2x4 to the side of the house then stapled the romex to it. Then we installed a thick gauge gutter and sealed it off. The inspector’s problem was that as soon as the romex extended out of the house; it was in violation of the code (even though we had it completely closed in and sealed off). He stated that if we would have actually created a false column and painted it like the house; he would have approved because it would look no more than an extension of the house. Your thoughts? Peter Klein- Service Manager Borrell Electric Co. Inc.   Answer: Hey Pete, Thanks for contributing. NEC 334.12(B)(4) does not permit the use of Type NM cable in damp or wet locations. Your installation may be subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Your cable is not in the building but rather in a channel or trough that is subject to temperature changes that may cause moisture to develop. I’d say check with the AHJ but forget about disguising it with paint.   Section: 334.12(B)(4) Source: Charlie Trout

ANSWERS: Answers are the author’s opinions and do not represent formal interpretations of the National Electrical Code.

All answers are based on the latest edition of the NEC, unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charlie Trout is a nationally-known NEC expert and author. He served on three different National Electrical Code-Making Panels and is past chairman of CMP-12. He is also a member of the NECA Codes & Standards Committee. In 2006 Charlie Trout won the prestigious Coggeshall Award, given to recognize outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry in the technical and training area.

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