Replies

1. 
   DanH | Mar 19, 2007 06:06pm | #1

   In Puerto Rico (where rats are a common problem) we used UF instead of standard romex, and always routed it above about 2 feet high, except when diving towards a wall outlet.

   But a number of areas don't (or didn't in the not-too-distant past) permit standard NM romex in residences, for reasons not clearly connected to rats/mice.

   But millions of homes in the country DO have romex, without mouse-related wiring problems.

   Some areas have apparently banned MC because it's too easily confused with AC (and vice-versa), leading to confusion about when bushings are and aren't required. Of course, it would make more sense to ban AC, but then the inspectors wouldn't have someting to nit-pick over.

   (I personally wouldn't be able to sleep at night, if I had to go to sleep to the "music" of rustling mice. Standard modern construction is reasonably mouse-proof, and a little extra effort can make it considerably more so.)

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
2. 
   RobWes | Mar 19, 2007 07:48pm | #2

   I have to know something? Why don't you stop the mice? My AC compressor went out one 95 degree day from mice eating wires. Fried the little bugger good. Smoke and small fire damage to the the wires in the area. Glad it was not in the walls of the house.

3. 
   renosteinke | Mar 19, 2007 08:15pm | #3

   I suggest that you first check your facts.

   Many places do not allow the use of "Armored cable" but do allow the use of "Metal Clad cable." The two materials are very similar in appearance.
   Both products are also made in both steel and aluminum jacket. In a corrosive area, as by the ocean, it is possible that the aluminum jacket is banned.

   It also matters what the building will be used for. In some instances, "flex" -which looks like MC, but you pull your own wires - is limited to lengths of six foot or less.

   You will need to chat with the specific authorities for a correct answer. A licensed electrical contractor is also likely to know local practices.

4. 
   BillHartmann | Mar 19, 2007 08:24pm | #4

   http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6695631049090552229&sourceid=searchfeed

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   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.