[Rav]

In a work room in an unfinished basement is a length of 14/2 NM cable which feeds a receptacle on the other side of the wall. Rather than being hardwired into the junction box, it is plugged in (installed by the previous owner) to a receptacle in that box. So the NM cable is being used as an extension cord to feed another receptacle, which I'm pretty sure is frowned on and I want to fix it either way. My plan is to use a new length of 14/2 NM-B (the existing cable is pretty brittle), properly run it into the box and connect it to the load terminals of the GFCI, and staple it in the same location along the stud (1-1/4 inches away from the wall), including a staple closer than 12 inches from the box, then through the wall to the receptacle.

Is this plan acceptable? I have a homeowners electrical permit to do the work but I don't want to end up having the inspector tell me I did it wrong. Thanks.

 

[herdfan]

Can't use Romex (NM) since it is subject to damage. Use an armored cable like the one feeding the current box. Also make sure what size breaker the original outlet is on. If it is a 20A, you will need to use 12/2.

Plus the original box looks a bit unusual.

 

[Rav]

Can't use Romex (NM) since it is subject to damage. Use an armored cable like the one feeding the current box. Also make sure what size breaker the original outlet is on. If it is a 20A, you will need to use 12/2.

Plus the original box looks a bit unusual.

Thanks for the reply. It's on a 15A breaker. When I replaced the non-GFCI outlet that was in that box with a GFCI, there wasn't enough room so I added a box extender.

Re not being able to use NM, I had thought that as long as it was kept 1-1/4" away from the wall that that sufficed for preventing damage. In NEC 334.10(A)(1) it says it is permitted "for both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations except as prohibited in 334.10(3)," and 334.10(3) doesn't apply since this is a one-family dwelling. I saw that it needed to be in a conduit if it was installed on the wall of an unfinished basement, but this is being installed along a stud, not the wall itself. I looked further in article 334 and couldn't find anything prohibiting it in my situation, but I'm not very familiar with the code, so I'd appreciate knowing where it's prohibited. Of course, if I must use AC, then I will. I just want to understand the code aspect of it. If it is indeed prohibited, should whoever installed the NM that exits the box on the left (and goes up along the ceiling joists to a lampholder) have used AC there instead too?

 

[47_47]

I'd remove the octagon box and mud ring. Replace it with a 2-1/8" deep, 4" square.

 

[Arrow3030]

AC, MC, NM, FMC are all not allowed where subject to physical damage. I'd use EMT personally. Check with your county though, "subject to physical damage" is subjective.

 

[Rav]

AC, MC, NM, FMC are all not allowed where subject to physical damage. I'd use EMT personally. Check with your county though, "subject to physical damage" is subjective.

Thanks, that was a good idea (checking with my county). I e-mailed the inspector listed on my permit, with the same proposed plan and pictures that I sent in this thread, and asked him if my plan was acceptable. His response was "Hi, as long as the use of the box is not for high amperage appliances it sounds right." I do appreciate the concerns that were raised here about NM being subject to physical damage, but it sounds like he doesn't think that's an issue in this case. And as suggested here I will also plan to replace the octagon box and box extender with a deeper 4" square box and cover.

 

[Arrow3030]

Cool! I sometimes wonder why inspectors get such a bad wrap. IMO he's being liberal with what's "subject to physical damage" but if all parties involved agree on what is safe then you're good to go!

 

[Rav]

OP here. I just finished the work. Here's one more before picture in addition to the ones above, and a few after pictures (sorry 'bout the poor quality, there's something wrong with my camera). Thanks again for everyones help!