2. cables
  3. 195413-176716

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
roadcykler
238 posts
 

"Because of HOA rules/regs, I cannot use Romex" It's this kind of ignorance that ensures I'll never live where there is an HOA. What business it is of theirs what kind of wiring you or anyone else uses if used correctly? 

roccity's avatar
roccity OP
33 posts
 

@jea48

Next week I'm going to stop by a local electrical supply house that I've been to before and buy the cable myself. I should probably get a more accurate measurement in case I can purchase by the foot and save a few bucks versus buying a 50-foot run (if it's even available in that length).

I didn't even know about anti-short bushings. Thanks so much for the links. At first I thought it was more like a grommet to line the hole into the panel box. Seeing the video of how they're installed, it definitely makes sense to me to use them. I'll grab a couple either at Home Depot or the supply house, so long as they don't obscenely overcharge for them and if they're not already included with the cable.  I'll keep you and the others here in the loop. Have a great weekend!

mandink's avatar
mandink
3 posts
 

Hello- 10 gauge wire matches with a 30 amp breaker in the electrical panel. The possible problem with #10 wire and a 20 amp breaker is that if the copper wire heats up excessively, the breaker will not trip in order to save it, and the insulation around the copper will melt, causing a fire inside the wall. This has been the cause of many house fires. For audio components, this should not be an issue, as they are not heating devices (like space heaters, etc.). 

_dalek__
23 posts
 

the HOA wants any wires in the garage inside conduit, presumably for a uniform appearance as the garage is a shared area with four bays

Leave it to the Karens in the HOA to dictate the appearance of the INTERIOR of a garage.

cleeds
6,281 posts
 
mandink

10 gauge wire matches with a 30 amp breaker in the electrical panel ...

Not necessarily. Using 10AWG wire with a 20A breaker can help reduce voltage drop.

The possible problem with #10 wire and a 20 amp breaker is that if the copper wire heats up excessively, the breaker will not trip in order to save it ...

The wire should never heat up, the breaker should trip at 20A. No problem.

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