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 said:
Is that the extent of the new branch circuit wiring there will be in the Condo? About 12"? I'm confused... Is the new wall outlet in the Condo, on the same common wall with the garage? "coming straight up from the floor to the bottom of a" Is the wall in the condo wood studs with drywall? . |
Both panels were put in to replace the original panel which did not have enough room for another breaker for my NEMA 14-50 outlet for my EV charger. A single larger panel would not fit in between the panel of one of my neighbor’s to the right and the house panel (power for common elements) to the left. I had to go to Home Depot earlier today. While I was there, I did in fact pick up a Homeline breaker to have on hand (20 AMP, single pole).
Yes - wood studs with drywall. Constructed circa 1973/1974.
Yes. It's a short, straight run from the outlet down to the garage - just as it appears in the illustration I created above.
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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. Cheers |
I never thought about doing two runs to one duplex outlet. That's really kickin' it up a notch! I'm going to consider doing that. FYIW: My plan was to plug my stereo power amp directly into one outlet (manufacturer recommends NOT using any type of power conditioner) and my power conditioner into the other, which will have my preamp, DAC and streamer plugged into it. |
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. |
