What wire to use instead of Romex


I want to install a dedicated 20amp outlet (likely an AQ NRG). The run from the main panel in the garage to my living room above is relatively short - maybe 25 or 30 feet. Because of HOA rules/regs, I cannot use Romex. Wires in the garage must be inside conduit. I will run 10AWG, but I'm unsure what other specs I should implement. Should I use solid core or stranded? Should it be copper? Is BX the way to go? I've read where using stranded silver or silver tungsten is best, but I'd be concerned about the silver oxidizing/tarnishing over time, especially at the junction points where the wire has no insulation. Is it important to twist the three (including ground) wires or will they perform just as well if run side-by-side? 

roccity

Showing 5 responses by 1971gto455ho

I’m 10’ from a dedicated panel wires in wall ending at two hospital grade outlets. With connecting tabs broken I used 4 x 12 gauge Romex starting with 4 x 20 amp breakers. Clean, Independent, bendable, code, happy. 
Cheers 
 

@jea48 

Thank you for your interest, I’m using 4 Single pole breakers with nicely separated independent 12 gauge wires, there is no need or code to use breaker ties, I want them independent. I’ve a 100 amp panel servicing little else, the audio ends at 2 hospital grade outlet boxes (tabs broken code legal). Suggesting this akin to 10  foot Power cables is well… Ridiculous. And finally Decouple Digital from analogue Through your AC wiring and fuse panel ? Are you suggesting home buyers Should revamp the supplied electrical circuit so as to use their audio systems ? That’s a hard cell and certainly on the placebo side of things in my opinion. Thankfully I have clean power there is zero noise. What I do and have done is certified electrician and code approved. My son is a fibre optic engineer, I’m licensed, audiophile fussy and have help. I do believe in diminishing returns and hate snake oil of any kind. I did this to have three of my high-powered boat anchor amps separated should a problem arise. Smaller equipment is independent. 

Cheers 

@jea48 

Best Practices:

It's recommended to use separate, appropriately sized 20 amp circuits with their own breakers and wiring to feed each half of the duplex receptacle. This ensures proper protection and avoids potential hazards.

Proper Method:

1. Separate Circuits:

Each 20 amp circuit should be run from its own 20 amp breaker in the electrical panel to its respective half of the duplex receptacle.

2. Appropriate Wiring:

Use 12 gauge Romex for both circuits, as it is rated for 20 amps.

3. Proper Termination:

Ensure the hot (black), neutral (white), and ground (bare or green) wires are correctly connected to their respective terminals on each half of the duplex receptacle. 
This is code ! 
 

Cheers 

@jea48  

Do let me know for curiosity sake, it’s CSA approved here. I also run into many houses where 12 three was used in duplex boxes, that can get complicated and I personally don’t recommend it anymore, but it is legal. And I should add and don’t know that this would make a difference but the four wires and two duplex are in a double box. 
 

 

@roccity  

Using appropriate wiring and breakers on a split duplex has been around for years and it is most definitely code and designed to be used that way as well. It is essentially no different than using a single outlet on a duplex box. Wiring must be done properly and you have absolutely no issues with safety. 
I did this because each one of my amps requires its own 20 amp breaker and I wanted to minimize dry wall and stud issues. The changes are well indicated in the panel and in the duplex box so any future people opening either will realize that multiple breakers have to be turned off. 
 Chreers