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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 1 response by rikkipuu

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rikkipuu
298 posts
 

I just stumbled across this thread, I went thru this earlier this year.  I bought a large amount of bulk Audience Hidden Treasure AC wire for 4 runs from a panel to my Audio room.  My electrician was smarter than me, he added a 50 A sub outside the Audio room that made for very short runs of the Hidden Treasure.

First, I would suggest if you are going thru the trouble of adding a dedicated line make it at least 3.  One for your amp ( I have monoblocks so I added one for each), one for your digital and one for analog.  The one thing I was told about this was to make sure they were all on the same leg (Phase?) of the panel.  Not an electrician so don't know what that means.

Second,  I have a lot of the Hidden Treasure, PM me if you want a good deal on it.  I can show you the invoice from The Cable Co.

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