Hi,
Not quite sure how to do this. I will be starting to build a pergola in a couple of weeks. I want to have an outdoor ceiling for comfort. I have four hollow columns, one with power running up through the centre. Do I need to run the NM cable through conduit once it pops out the top or can I just run it as is, I’m thinking it has to be in a conduit because it will be going into a mounting box for the fan. Which leads me into my other question, how should I mount the box, put a brace between 2 joists the attach to that? Should I cover the back on the box to help protect from rain?
Mike
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Are you talking a pergola or a gazebo? Pergolas have no roof. There are exterior fans sold, but none that I'm aware of that would be ok for a pergola.
Mike
I researched a weatherproof fan mounting box and ceiling fans for wet locations, so I'm thinking it can be done on a pergola.
Mike
Yes,
I did a pergola last summer, and the electrician ran the NM inside the hollow post and switched to plastic conduit once it popped through the top plate.
I was surprised that a wet location fan was available too.
Bowz
Found this. So I know it's possible.
"I want to have an outdoor ceiling for comfort"
?????????
A pergola doesn't have a ceiling
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They are called ceiling fans even though the no ceiling. Anyhow, the attachment is to a joist. Joist fan.
Mike
O know the exterior fan is possible.It was your statement that you wanted a ceiling in a pergola that had me wondering what you meant
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Just to place a total damper on your plans:
Romex is NOT approved for outdoor use.
This is because a Romex cable contains paper which is not waterproof. The outer cover is and the wires themselves are essentially THHN/THWN which are also acceptable but are not printed on. [That is they don't say "THWN" on each individual wire. Theoretically, you could strip the sheath and paper off and this would work but an unenlightened inspector could nix the deal.
I agree with the idea of a fan in your pergola though because otherwise it would get rather stuffy in there. Not to rain on your parade or not.
~Peter
My bad, I meant UF.
Thanks