Adding an Outlet

[Ohm1]

In commercial applications, do you have to run your wire in conduit, if you plan to add an outlet?

[Homer]

If you look in NEC Chapter 3, under each "wiring method" there will be article xxx.12 "Uses Not Permitted" and/or xxx.10 "Uses Permitted". (Romex is 334.12)

These articles will reference "Types of Construction" that are defined in Annex E of the NEC.

You should be able to match up the acceptable "wiring methods" with the "Types of Construction". Your wording of "Commercial applications" is too vague to give an accurate answer.

Type AC cable(BX) is usually OK, while NM is not.

Homer

[Ohm1]

Q: Do we have to run our wire in conduit, when adding an outlet for a commercial building (applications=area of work).

Commercial being defined as the NEC would define "Commercial building"

[Homer]

Q: Do we have to run our wire in conduit, when adding an outlet for a commercial building (applications=area of work).

Not looking for wire type!

I thought that I did give an answer by showing that since AC cable is acceptable, conduit isn't required.

Since AC cable is in fact a "cable" and not a "conduit", the answer is no.

NEC 320.12 (AC cable) makes no restrictions based on "construction types" (Annex E) on where AC cable can be installed.

There could be further restrictions if your "commercial building" in specifically listed under one of the "special occupancies" in Chapter 5.

I guess I don't understand your question since the NEC doesn't really define "commercial building", it addresses "construction types" and "special occupancies". The closest the NEC gets to defining "commercial" is refering to the term "other than dwelling unit". There are also limited references to "special occupancies" like "commercial kitchens".

You may however have local codes that do define "commercial building" that may mandate the use of conduit.

Wait for others to comment.

Homer

[mdshunk]

I've got to say, that until that table was added this last code revision this has been a right confusing topic. I've generally "matched" whatever wiring system the building seems to have the most of when adding or extending a circuit. Heck, it's only been recently that we can't pulll romex in suspended ceiling spaces. I look for fire alarms or sprinker systems or fire doors to be the "clue" that I need for requiring conduit or mc cable type of wiring method. This seems to be the appropriate clue 99% of the time.

[Wgoodrich]

If the building has no fire rating or place of assembly and no concern for physical damage nometallic sheathed cable is allowed with no maximum floor levels existing now per the NEC 2002.

YOu may even install nonmetallic sheathed cable in buildings with metal studs if grommets are used to protect the cable passing through the studs.

Commercial has nothing to do with whether you can or can not. Fire rating or place of assembly or health care etc. is the ruling factors of whether you can or can not use nonmetallic sheathed cable.

Hope this helps

Wg