Anyone an electrician here?

[syph007]

I have a wiring question.  I'm running some new wire in my workshop just to add an outlet for my workbench.  the wiring will be exposed but attached and run along wall top at ceiling level.  Do I need to use conduit, BX/AC wire, or is it acceptable to use the standard NM wire?

[HaRuMaN]

I'm not an electrician (but I play one on TV)...

I personally would use conduit, if you are leaving it exposed. 

[Silas (son of Silas)]

...(but I play one on TV)

 

[HaRuMaN]

...(but I play one on TV)

 

Haven't you ever heard the phrase, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV"?

[Silas (son of Silas)]

...(but I play one on TV)

 

Haven't you ever heard the phrase, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV"?

Nope 

[HaRuMaN]

In a Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup advertising campaign in 1986, Bergman told the viewing audience, "I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV." Chris Robinson, who played Dr. Rick Webber on ABC's General Hospital, was the original spokesperson in the ad campaign, which started in 1984. Bergman replaced Robinson after the latter experienced some legal difficulties. The writer of the commercial used this opening line as a disclaimer, because the then-existing "white coat rule" prohibited people from portraying doctors in commercials without some sort of clarification/disclaimer. The original commercial with Chris Robinson became the most-recalled TV commercial in the history of the Vicks brand.

[Fordman]

"Im not an electrician, but I try to play one on BYOAC" 

Depends on the length of the run and if your going to have additional outlets. If it is a substantial length, then use the conduit, put some junction boxes with blank covers for future use. If it it like 5' or something small like that, then I wouldnt use conduit. Also, depends on how clean you want it to look as well. Also, if you just run the wires, you do have a chance of risk of nails being accicdently pounded into the wire (from the outside walls or roof) that could cause a fire or electricution (hopefully the breaker box trips before this happens). 1/2" conduit in the US is only $1.50 for a 10' section and maybe $.45 for each coupler, maybe $1.25 for junction/outlet box, 125v 10-20amp (standard)outlets are like $.75, covers are like $.50ea, so for the extra few $$$ I'd run the conduit!


Fordman

[AtomSmasher]

How about a more recent reference:  I'm not an electrician, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[HaRuMaN]

How about a more recent reference:  I'm not an electrician, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Lol.  I guess.  Thanks for making me feel old.   

[Ed_McCarron]

If the wire is exposed where you can damage it (lean a ladder against it, etc.) use BX.  If its hidden (on top of joists, behind wall material) you can get away with romex.  If you're a glutton for punishment, run conduit.

Sounds like you can get away with romex.  Did you plan on making the vertical drops inside the wall?  If outside, you're stuck with something hardier.

Re:  the conduit -- if you do choose this, use plastic and run 3 wires.  Use metal and the inspector will get nit-picky about the grounds.