Do you want to protect your home’s wiring from potential hazards?
Are you unsure how to cover exposed Romex in a safe, effective way?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
How To Cover Exposed Romex? An exposed Romex can be covered by PVC, ENT, cable tray or EMT conduit. Wiremold race way is also a great option.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best methods for covering exposed Romex and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
What is Romex?
Romex is the brand name for a type of electrical wiring used in residential construction.
It consists of two or more insulated wires surrounded by a nonmetallic sheathing.
The sheathing provides protection against incidental physical damage and helps to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Romex is available in a variety of types, including standard, NM-B (nonmetallic sheathed cable), and MC (metal clad) cables.
It is typically used to run power from a service panel to outlets and switches throughout the home.
Types Of Non Metallic Cables
When it comes to nonmetallic cables, there are several types available to choose from, such as NM B Cable, Underground Feeder Cable and Service Entrance Cable ( SE, USE)
The NM-B cable is permitted to be used in dry locations and should never be installed outdoors or buried under ground.
The main difference between NM B and USE cables is that USE cables are rated for direct burial without conduit.
This means that the cables are made of thicker material than NM B cables.
Also, the insulation on USE cables is thicker than the insulation on NM B cables.
The main difference between UF and USE cables is that USE cables have a higher ampacity rating than UF cables.
This means that USE cables can handle more electricity than UF cables. Also, USE cables are thicker than UF cables.
In terms of installation, both UF and USE cables can be buried in the ground. However, USE cables must be installed in conduit when they are used in wet locations.
Can Romex Be Exposed?
It depends.
It is important to note that, although Romex sheathing provides some protection against incidental physical damage, it is not intended to be used as an exposed wiring option.
While it can be used in certain applications such as above ceilings, in crawl spaces and in attics, it should never be exposed to the elements.
If you are considering using Romex in an exposed application, there are a number of products available that can provide a layer of protection such as flexible metal conduit, flexible non-metallic conduit, EMT conduit, cable trays and Wire Mold raceway.
It is also important to note that when running Romex through walls or other enclosed spaces, you should always cover it up for safety reasons.
What Options Available To Cover Exposed Romex?
When it comes to covering exposed Romex, there are several options available.
You can use flexible metal conduit, flexible non-metallic conduit, EMT conduit, cable trays or Wire Mold raceway.
For a more permanent solution, you can also place Romex within a PVC, ENT or EMT conduit.
Each of these options provides a way to protect and conceal your Romex cable from any potential physical damage or environmental hazards.
Be sure to check local building codes for the best solution for your particular situation.
Using flexible metal conduit
Flexible metal conduit is a great option for covering exposed Romex wiring.
It is easy to install and provides protection from dust, debris, and other environmental factors.
Flexible metal conduit is available in a variety of sizes and materials, including aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel.
It is also available in different colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
The flexible metal conduit can be bent around corners, making it easy to install in tight spaces.
It is also resistant to corrosion and abrasion, making it a great long-term solution for covering exposed Romex wiring. Flexible metal conduits are suitable for places like construction sites to cover wiring.
This can be done with or without the help of a professional.
Using flexible non-metallic conduit
Flexible non-metallic conduit is one of the most popular ways to cover exposed Romex.
This conduit is made of a durable material, such as PVC or EMT, that can be bent or shaped to fit around corners and through walls.
Not only does this type of conduit protect the wires running through it, but it also helps to prevent moisture and other environmental elements from getting inside.
The flexibility of non-metallic conduit also makes it easier to install when compared to traditional rigid conduit.
It is important to note that non-metallic conduit must be properly secured in place using fasteners and other approved methods, otherwise it may not provide the necessary protection for the wires inside.
Using EMT conduit
Using EMT conduit is another option for covering exposed Romex.
EMT (electrical metallic tubing) is a rigid, non-metallic conduit that is made from galvanized steel.
It is lightweight, easy to work with, and comes in different sizes to accommodate the amount of cable being run.
EMT offers protection against both physical damage and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
When using EMT, be sure to follow all applicable codes and regulations, such as the National Electrical Code, when installing the conduit.
Additionally, you should also be aware of the rules dealing with how to figure for cables when calculating conduit fill.
Using cable trays
Cable trays are an effective way to cover exposed Romex.
Cable trays are metal or non-metallic structures that allow you to easily conceal the Romex within them.
This offers protection from a variety of elements such as sunlight and weather, while also allowing you to easily route the wiring in your space.
Cable trays come in a variety of sizes and materials, making it easy to find one that fits your exact needs.
When using a cable tray, it is important to make sure that the wiring is properly secured and that the Romex has enough room to move and flex without becoming damaged.
Taking these extra steps will ensure that your cable tray installation is safe and secure.
Using Wire Mold raceway
Wire mold is a trusted provider of raceways for concealing exposed nonmetallic sheathed cable.
It is an excellent choice for covering non-metallic wires, and it is made up of thin walls that are designed to be flush against the wall or ceiling.
WireMold raceways are easy to install and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
They can be painted to match the wall or ceiling, or left in their natural white color for a clean look.
Installing WireMold raceways is a great way to hide exposed Romex without needing to run conduit, and provides an attractive, finished look.
How to Cover Romex in a Conduit
Covering Romex in a conduit is a great way to protect it from physical damage and other environmental factors.
It can be done with a variety of materials, such as PVC, ENT or EMT conduit, flexible metal conduit, flexible non-metallic conduit, EMT conduit or cable trays.
When running Romex through a conduit, it’s important to make sure you use the right type of conduit to ensure that the cable is properly protected.
Depending on the application, you may also need to use Wire Mold raceway for additional protection.
Before starting, make sure you read up on the local building codes for your area and follow all safety precautions when handling wires and electricity.
When You Need To Cover Exposed Romex?
It is important to cover any exposed Romex in order to protect it from damage.
Since Romex is a non-metallic cable, it does not provide protection from the elements or physical damage.
Therefore, any exposed Romex should be covered with conduit or a product like Wire Mold.
The type of covering used is dependent on the environment in which the cable will be used.
For example, if the cable is going to be exposed to moisture, then a flexible metal conduit should be used.
If the cable is going to be exposed to extreme temperatures, then an EMT conduit may be necessary.
Covering Romex also helps protect against electrical short circuits and fires, so it should always be done when possible.
When You Don’t Need to Cover Exposed Romex
In some cases, you can leave exposed Romex wire without needing to cover it up.
This is usually found in attics and basements, as these areas are not typically seen by the public.
However, it is always best to check with your local electrical code enforcement to see if it is allowed in your area.
Furthermore, exposed Romex wire should be inspected for any potential damage or issues before it is left uncovered.
If everything looks good and the wire is in good condition, then you may not need to cover it up.
The Benefits of Sheathing on Romex
Sheathing on Romex cable offers a variety of benefits and is an important consideration for any electrical wiring project.
The aluminum sheath helps to protect the wires inside from physical damage, as well as providing a level of water-resistance.
The sheath also helps to reduce the risk of fire resulting from an electrical short.
Additionally, by providing a measure of protection against external elements, the sheath can help extend the lifespan of your wiring system.
All these factors combine to make sheathing on Romex cable a wise choice for any wiring projects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Romex wiring should never be exposed in a garage or any other area.
This type of wiring must be protected against possible physical damage or hazardous conditions.
There are several ways to cover exposed Romex, including using flexible metal conduit, flexible non-metallic conduit, EMT conduit, cable trays, and Wire Mold raceway.
Depending on the application and the local codes, it may be necessary to use one of these methods to protect the Romex from physical damage.
Doing so will ensure that the wiring remains safe and secure for years to come.
Best Wishes!
FAQS
Q: Can I run Romex cable inside conduit?
A: No, Romex cable is not designed to be run inside conduit. It is intended to be used as a standalone wiring system.
Q: What are the options for covering Romex cable in exposed locations?
A: The options for covering Romex cable in exposed locations include using plastic conduit, PVC pipe, or other approved methods as dictated by local building codes.
Q: What type of NM cable can I put Romex cable inside?
A: Romex cable cannot be placed inside any type of NM cable. It is meant to be used as a standalone wiring system.
Q: Why is it important to cover Romex cable in exposed and susceptible areas?
A: Covering Romex cable in exposed and susceptible areas helps protect it from physical damage and minimizes the risk of electrical hazards.
Q: How is Romex cable made?
A: Romex cable is made by encasing the insulated wires and bare copper ground wire within an outer plastic sheathing. This configuration provides both electrical insulation and mechanical protection.
Q: Why is Romex cable commonly used in residential wiring?
A: Romex cable became the industry standard for residential wiring due to its ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with safety regulations.