Deck Wiring

[Anonymous]

Deck Wiring
I want to install receptacle outlets on my deck. I will run this outside wiring in conduit, which will be for the most part under the deck. Receptacles will be installed a couple inches above the deck surface and attached to the railing posts. Do you recommend steel or plastic conduit? Steel or plastic junction boxes? Does the NEC specify a (preference-?) for this kind of work?

Guest

[Wgoodrich]

If you wiring is protected under your wood deck you may install UF cable 12 or 14/2wGrnd. Staple to the bottom of the deck where protected from physical damage. UF cable is approved for wet location, sunlight resistant and corrosion resistant. Bad thing is it is tough to strip the sheathing off the UF cable.

The box may be plastic or metal but must be rated as weatherproof with the cables entering the bottom of the box so if water enters this receptacle box the water can drain out the bottom of the box and the cable won't be inviting the water to run down the cable into the box if the wire were to enter the top of the box.

I would use UF cable with plastic boxes. Plastic boxes won't freeze to the receptacle mounting screw to the metal box for later repairs as years go by.

The NEC requires that you install an IN-USE bubble shield weather proof cover that is designed to protect both the receptacle and the plug plugged into that receptacle at the same time.

Hope this helps

Wg