Romex Wires 15% at Lowe's +10% off after Price Match with HD (ex. 14/2 75M. $45.xx)

Can also order directly from Lowes and use the $10 off $50 email signup code. Did this yesterday. Result was $40.59 for the 75m 14/2

FYI romex shouldn't be used for extension cords since its made out of solid copper, not stranded.

paintballdude05 wrote: ↑ FYI romex shouldn't be used for extension cords since its made out of solid copper, not stranded.

That should be a lot of fun to roll up for storage

Jon Lai wrote: ↑ If you are looking to create your own extension cords, Princess Auto has Male and Female outlet adapters on sale for $2.99 and $3.99 respectively, rated for 15A.

FYI this contravenes the Canadian Electrical Code. NMD wire is not rated to be used as an extension cord. To anyone reading this thread, please don’t use the OP’s idea. It is very easy to damage NMD if treating it like an extension cord which can result in a short, fire or shock.

Jon Lai wrote: ↑ Sorry, maybe extension cords weren't the right word - rather I meant wire pulls or drops where I don't want to cut open the wall, and where you can tie them down. I do this in my garage and terminate them into a PVC gang box, but I'm too lazy to cut open the drywall and repair it.

You’re still doing things against code. You can’t put cords ends on the end of NMD wire. It’s not allowed.

Your second explanation is ALSO against code. You can’t run NMD on the face of a wall. NMD is cable that is intended to be used inside of walls, NOT outside the walls. If you need to run cable on the outside of a wall you should be using AC90 cable as it has mechanical protection and is approved to be on the drywall. Again you can not put cords ends on this cable either.

In my opinion you should be deleting this misinformation from your posts. It’s bad advice that does not meet code.

EDIT: fixed typos.

EDIT2: fixed ANOTHER typo! Ha ha

Jon Lai wrote: ↑ Sorry, maybe extension cords weren't the right word - rather I meant wire pulls or drops where I don't want to cut open the wall, and where you can tie them down. I do this in my garage and terminate them into a PVC gang box, but I'm too lazy to cut open the drywall and repair it.

This is still not the right wire for this, and is dangerous. BX cable is what you should be using externally (Not extension cord), or cabtire if you are making an extension cord.

Please don't advise people to do what youre doing. If you can see a romex wire thats live (Exception being in an unfinished basement), something is wrong. Id edit that out of the original before someone tries what you said.

ChicoQuente wrote: ↑ You’re still doing things against code. You can’t put cords ends on the end of NMD wire. It’s not allowed.

Your second explanation is ALSO against code. You can’t run NMD on the face of a wall. NMD is cable that is intended to be used inside of walls, NOT outside the walls. If you need to run cable on the outside of a wall you should be using AC90 cable as it has mechanical protection and is approved to be on the drywall. Again you can not put cords ends on this cable either.

In my opinion you should be deleting this misinformation from your posts. It’s bad advice that does not meat code.

EDIT: fixed typos.

I lol-d

But yes to everything you said.

saad29 wrote: ↑ I lol-d

But yes to everything you said.

Oops.

ChicoQuente wrote: ↑Oops.

Meat happens lol

Quick question - you seem to know code pretty well - is there anything against me using 12/2 on a 15 Amp breaker/circuit (I know its normally used for 20AMP)?

Also, when running new wire behind walls - can it just be fished and not stapled (free floating)?

Apologies for laziness in looking up code lol

saad29 wrote: ↑ Meat happens lol

Quick question - you seem to know code pretty well - is there anything against me using 12/2 on a 15 Amp breaker/circuit (I know its normally used for 20AMP)?

Yes you are allowed to upsize your wire. For long runs you actually have to do so due to voltage drop.

Also, when running new wire behind walls - can it just be fished and not stapled (free floating)?

You are allowed to fish finished walls and leave cable as is.

Apologies for laziness in looking up code lol

See bold above.

saad29 wrote: ↑ Meat happens lol

Quick question - you seem to know code pretty well - is there anything against me using 12/2 on a 15 Amp breaker/circuit (I know its normally used for 20AMP)?

Also, when running new wire behind walls - can it just be fished and not stapled (free floating)?

Apologies for laziness in looking up code lol

No issues using 12/2 on a 15amp circuit.

Wires are supposed to be secured IRC 12" from the box, and around every 48" after that. Typically this is done with holes drilled through wood or staples. With that said, you should secure the wire to meet code, but inspectors do use common sense and can be lenient.

ChicoQuente wrote: ↑ You’re still doing things against code. You can’t put cords ends on the end of NMD wire. It’s not allowed.

Your second explanation is ALSO against code. You can’t run NMD on the face of a wall. NMD is cable that is intended to be used inside of walls, NOT outside the walls. If you need to run cable on the outside of a wall you should be using AC90 cable as it has mechanical protection and is approved to be on the drywall. Again you can not put cords ends on this cable either.

In my opinion you should be deleting this misinformation from your posts. It’s bad advice that does not meet code.

EDIT: fixed typos.

EDIT2: fixed ANOTHER typo! Ha ha

Tell this to the guy that decided to put an end on an NMD wire, plug it into an outlet and then run not only the garage door opener but also the central vacuum of that circuit in my house (a previous owner). Electrical inspector walked right by it while inspecting another job.

I only discovered that rat's nest of wiring when my vacuum wouldn't work and I traced it back to that mess a couple of weeks ago.

This 14/2 on sale will be helpful in correcting this problem.

NMD can run on walls where it is not at risk of mechanical damage. My electrician ran conduit to the garage, up the wall, but across the ceiling it was left unprotected (drywalled ceiling) then in conduit back down the wall and it passed inspection.

Other than at or near ceiling level, I use conduits to protect the wire and it's always been ok.

How often does this stuff go on sale? Wondering if I should stock up on 8awg for a possible ev charge point project... Anyone have experience with this?

saad29 wrote: ↑
Also, when running new wire behind walls - can it just be fished and not stapled (free floating)?

I don't think you're allowed to fish electrical cable. As another person stated, it needs to be stapled. And protected with metal plates if you're going through studs. And the whole thing needs to be visible to the inspector before you put up the drywall. And then an inspector needs to inspect it again after the drywall is put up

OMG OP. So much bad info in your original post. Hope your property insurance is thorough and you have no family living with you
Thank you for fixing it, but please, please learn electrical codes before touching this stuff.

The P.S. Knight series of “Electrical Code Simplified” are a good reference for the DIYer. About $20 or so, and the best $20 or so you will spend if you do any electrical work as a DIY.

SJOOW is basically extension cord or power tool cord wire. You buy it by the foot to fix a broken power tool cord, but you can buy extension cords much cheaper.
It is never designed to be enclosed (in a wall) or fixed/secured (e.g. secured onto a wall/ceiling/anything).

For what you did (exposed secured wiring), you should have used armored cable, aka AC90. It is a bit more expensive than NMD (Non-Metallic Dry service, referring to the sheathing), but less than proper conduit.

Stuff happens, which is why these codes exist. You can take chances, like removing guards on power tools, and be mostly ok, until you are not. Stay safe.