[SideWinderGX]

Hello!

Just purchased our first home, which has had an upgrade a few decades ago, but it's time to put in 3 conductor to all the outlets, swap out old outlets for tamper resistant/GFCI outlets, etc etc. I have a lot of (hopefully simple) questions regarding what is acceptable as per the NEC, as I've run into a few very difficult inspectors on job sites who, well, are difficult, and want to cover my bases in case the house is inspected (I work with low voltage controls, but work together with the job electrician depending on the job).

1) Breaker box (currently a fuse box, will be swapped out shortly by someone else) is mounted in the below grade basement, bolted to a sheet of plywood which is attached to the cinder wall. Top of breaker box will be approx 12" lower than the joists. Currently there is EMT taking the existing wiring to various junction boxes throughout the basement (all junction boxes are attached to the bottom of the joists, not tucked up in between). Junction boxes end in various spots, bushings let the wire out and up through the walls. If the breaker box is not covered by drywall of any sort, the wire needs to be protected in some form, correct? Meaning conduit/armor clad cable up to the joists at least, correct?

2) Hypothetically, could I run armor clad cable up in between the joists to a junction box, make a joint, and run romex from the joint throughout the joists onwards/upwards? Unsure of the NECs opinion on when joints are acceptable.

3) From what I gather it is acceptable to run romex through holes in joists *above* the floor you are on (if you're in the basement, then through the joists on the floor of the first floor). In the attic, two conductor is ran through the joists in the floor of the attic (half of the attic has a floor, the other has bare joists, easy to see). I would assume this is acceptable, but again, technicalities have bit me before. Plus I'd rather not drill holes through the structural beams that comprise the roof.




I've got most of the rest sorted out...GFCIs in kitchen/basement/garage, TR outlets throughout the rest, THWN cable in the basement/to the garage, etc etc.

Thanks!

 

[joed]

You need to add your location. Some place have specific rules. Chicago being one that requires all work to be in conduit. Most places do not require special protection for wires up in the joists of a basement.

 

[SideWinderGX]

I forgot to add that to my profile, my fault. I am in Syracuse, N.Y.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

You really should discuss the project in advance with the wiring inspector. They are the final authority on what is acceptable and necessary in your area. I assume you meant the wiring inspector when you discussed "inspector". Not all jurisdictions allow homeowners to do their own wiring.

 

[SideWinderGX]

I'm allowed to do my own wiring where I reside.

I appreciate your concern but I weigh what the NEC says over what the electrical inspector prefers. Again, I've dealt with too many who ignore what is written in the spec or code and say "do it my way" when what they suggest is incorrect or not allowed.

Anyone else have any input to my questions?

 

[JulieMor]

I appreciate your concern but I weigh what the NEC says over what the electrical inspector prefers. Again, I've dealt with too many who ignore what is written in the spec or code and say "do it my way" when what they suggest is incorrect or not allowed.

In my 35 years in the trade, I learned quite well the electrical inspector's opinion trumps any code book. I've had "disagreements" that would make you wonder what the inspector was thinking but in the end, I had to do it his way.

As to your questions, no one can answer them correctly unless they are very experienced with working in your specific area. Your questions need to be put to your local electrical inspector, otherwise you are rolling the dice.