[rdy2go]

I wonder if there is such a thing as a rugged AWG 22 wire for the garage opener circuits. I have quite a mess in the 3-bay garage and I would like to redo it, if posible with more resilient wire and some kind of protection for the ground level sensor connections.


Any ideas?

 

[Jim Port]

Sleeve the wire in PVC conduit.

 

[u2slow]

18 gauge wire is what I've always run into, so that's what I use. (brown, or red FT4 rated jacket.) You can get it with MC style armour too.


Probably just as easy to put it in conduit.

 

[rdy2go]

Sleeve the wire in PVC conduit.

I had not thought of that, but think it would excessive. I have no problem nailing the wires along the trusses and studs. It is just that I find commonly used (bell?) wire very flimsy. I am looking for a thicker jacket. I know there is underground sprinkler line in 18/2, thick jacket. I was wondering if there is something like that in 22 or 20.

 

[u2slow]

I had not thought of that, but think it would excessive. I have no problem nailing the wires along the trusses and studs. It is just that I find commonly used (bell?) wire very flimsy. I am looking for a thicker jacket. I know there is underground sprinkler line in 18/2, thick jacket. I was wondering if there is something like that in 22 or 20.

"Bell wire" is 18 gauge. Maybe that's what this sprinkler wire is.


EDIT: This smaller wire sounds like security system wiring.

 

[Mystriss]

I find hookup wire has thicker sleeve on it - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NB3SSJ...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Might also look at something like this - https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Cable...words=22awg+thick+wall&qid=1593057096&sr=8-11 - you can just nip off the unneeded conductors and electrical tape them off.

 

[HotRodx10]

Is there some reason you can't use 18ga underground sprinkler wire you mentioned?

 

[surferdude2]

I'd use 18/2 thermostat wire. It's solid so easier to make connections with and has a durable jacket. It's available at all big box stores.

 

[lenaitch]

Rugged from what? Kids? Critters?

 

[rjniles]

18/2 SO cordage

 

[rdy2go]

Is there some reason you can't use 18ga underground sprinkler wire you mentioned?

It is starting to look like the best option. I may go with it or use 1/2" blue flex Carlon conduit.

 

[seharper]

For heavier wire, first look at thermostat wire, if you don’t like that, consider #14 or larger NM-B (Romex) and if you don’t like *that*, then yeah,... conduit...

But if you’re thinking PVC, also consider EMT metal conduit. Unlike Sched 40 PVC it is actually rated for physical protection of wiring. So if you ram it with a lawnmower etc. it ain’t gonna break.

You only need it for physical protection so you only need to run it where there’s an issue.

EMT is a good skill overall since it’s the gold standard for commercial wiring, so it’ll never be questioned by an inspector.