Hello all,
I need to run surface mount wiring along a couple brick walls and would like to use a wire chase to accomplish this. I’ve been looking at different set-ups, including no-frills metal conduit and wiremold set-ups, but the former is somewhat ugly and inflexible and the latter, while flexible is potentially expensive.
In some older houses I recall seeing an enlarged baseboard that included outlets. What’s your sense of a shop-made wire chase with integral outlets? — something that might be fixed to the base of the wall like a baseboard. The larger scale wire mold set-ups I’ve seen are pretty much the same as this, except that they are made of metal or pvc.
I’d provide ample space inside and for simplicity might even run romex in it, as opposed to individual conductors. The main thing is that I could tailor it to fit my application, and also adapt it later if need dictates.
Anything in the code that would flag this approach? It will be inspected.
Thanks in advance.
Andrew…
Replies
Your generally required to use "listed" or "approved" components. The testing standards generally preclude the use of wood, or other flammable materials, for these components. The plastic wiremold, etc., has to pass a 'flame test.'
Another code issue that might arise is the requirement of adequate protection if the wires are not run deep enough. Add the metak, and you get to make sure it's all bonded, etc.
Thanks for all the feedback. The flamability issue makes sense.However, for Romex, looks like the consensus is that so long as I have min 1-1/2 of protection I might be ok. I was thinking I would be at least this deep, especially since I want to also include shallow boxes for receptacles. Now the question is do I want to risk the inspector not buying it....Thanks again.
How much room do you have to go forward? I ask this as you can think of this basicly as a short interior wall, except it only needs to be 1/2 as thick as a regular wall. The wires need to have a minimum distance from the outside for fastener protection, unless you are running them in metal tube.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Tu stultus es
You can have whatever decorative covering you desire, but you'd have to run either romex or some sort of listed conduit through it. And, if romex, you'd have to be prepared with a convincing argument that the covering effectively protects the wire from mechanical damage.
1/2" dry wall is all that protects most romex. So just attach two 2X parallel and nail 1/2" drywall over it.
Oh, you want more fancy, drywall the side too, add corner bead, mud and paint.