Can you use type UF-B indoors? Yes. when used indoors, it follows many of the same code rules as type NM. See Article 340 for UF, and Article 334 for type NM. Can UF-B wire be put in conduit? UF-B in conduit will be a masochistic pull no matter what size you use, unless you go rather extreme like 2″ or something.
Is Type UF cable permitted to be used for inside wiring?
(4) Type UF cable may be used for interior wiring in wet, dry, 01' corrosive locations under the recognized wiring methods of this code, and when installed as non-metallic sheathed cable it shall conform with the installation provisions of chapter E 336 and shall be of the multiple conductor type, except where ...
Can I use outdoor electrical wire indoors?
They're often more affordable than outdoor wires, but won't stand up to the same threats that outdoor wires face. That means you can generally use outdoor wires inside, but not vice versa.
Does UF-B cable need to be in conduit?
Use direct-burial underground feeder cable at 24-inches deep (or more). You don't need to use conduit at this depth with UF cable, however, you do need to provide PVC conduit on your vertical feeds starting at 18-inches.
What is the difference between UF and UF-B wire?
The regular UF cable is well-suited only to be buried in conduit. The difference between them is UF-B construction indicates a better resistance to water and corrosion, as well as a superior temperature range.
Why is UF-b cheaper than NM?
Currently, many big box stores have the UF-B marked less than the NM-B cable. That's because the price is not as inflated from demand like NM-B. NM-B is also used more frequently because it is WAY easier to work with.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor wire?
The indoor cables are typically used for shorter distances and in office buildings or factories. Outdoor cables, on the other hand, are designed for outdoor use. These have a stronger jacket that can hold up against the environment and it's elements, which is a huge benefit when burying cables.
Can UF-B wire be exposed?
The use of UF cable on the exterior surface of buildings or structures is permitted by Sec. 225.10(18) and Sec. 334.10(3) of the NEC. If the cable is exposed to physical damage it must be protected in accordance with Sec.
Is it OK to run UF wire in conduit?
Running UF cable through metal or PVC conduit. Although not commonly done, it is allowable to run UF cable (but NOT NM) cable through metal or PVC conduit in an underground application. But it can be difficult to fish cable through conduit, unless the conduit is at least 3/4 inch in diameter.
Can I bury UF cable without conduit?
UF cable can be direct buried (without conduit) with a minimum of 24 inches of cover. Wiring buried inside rigid metal (RMC) or intermediate metal (IMC) conduit must have at least 6 inches of ground cover; wiring in PVC conduit must have at least 18 inches of cover.
What is Type UF-B wire used for?
Southwire® copper UF-B cable is generally used as feeder to outside post lamps, pumps, and other loads or apparatus fed from a distribution point in an existing building as specified in the 2011 National Electrical Code. UF-B cable may be used underground, including direct burial.
Does UF-B have to be buried?
Its applications are outlined in Article 340 NEC 2008 and NEC 2011. UF-B is rated at 600 volts. Although it is rated at a conductor temperature of 90ºC dry / wet, its ampacity is limited to 60ºC according to the NEC 2008 AND NEC 2011. UF-B may be directly buried or installed where exposed to sunlight.
Can I use direct burial cable in walls?
There are chemicals in soil that may attack some plastics. The direct burial is designed and tested against this. Just use the proper cable for the application. In-wall wire is not intended for direct burial.
Can I use underground wire inside?
While standard NM cable is rated only for dry, interior applications, UF cable can be used outdoors as well as indoors. For example, if you want to install a cable between the house and an outdoor lamppost, or to run power out to a garden shed or detached garage, UF cable is the standard choice.
Can use wire be used indoors?
USE-2 by itself cannot be run indoors. Many USE-2 conductors (or assemblies often called URD or MHF) are marked RHH/RHW-2 and if so, can be run indoors, but do need to be run in conduit indoors.
Does outdoor wire need to be in conduit?
They need to be in conduit for 2 reasons. First, exposed wiring needs to be protected from damage and stapling bare wire to the siding would not qualify. Burying it at least 24" would qualify, but any portion above that would still need to have some sort of damage protection (conduit).
Is surface wiring legal?
It is important to realize that surface wiring is only an acceptable practice indoors, and poses many safety concerns when implemented outside.
The difference between outdoor wire and indoor wire
The main difference between an outdoor wire and an indoor wire is in its durability. The added durability for outdoor wire comes from its thicker insulative sleeve and the material that your wire sleeve is made out of. It’s made this way to endure harsher environments while still safely delivering electricity around your home.
Standards for Outdoor Wiring
With that, we want to tackle the specifics for outdoor wiring to give you a better idea of the benefits they can provide. Here is a table showcasing the main properties of outdoor wiring that make them much more durable than indoor wiring.
How To Use Outdoor Wiring for the Indoors
It’s not uncommon for the same wire to be connected from an outdoor to an indoor space. A light switch in your garage that turns on your outdoor garage is an example of this. Typically, in these situations, you’ll need to consider both indoor and outdoor codes that are relevant.
Are there any differences when installing outdoor wires indoors?
If you plan on using outdoor wires indoors, you’ll need to follow the National Electrical Code’s standards for indoor wiring installations, usage, and maintenance. You need to know the requirements set for the individual rooms you plan on installing your wires. For example, certain kitchen appliances require dedicated circuits and outlets.
Conclusion
Outdoor wires can be used indoors and can even benefit your home if placed in the right areas. Outdoor wires are thicker and much more durable than thinner wires because they’re designed to withstand the outdoor elements while safely transmitting energy for your home.
UF-B doesn't come in some configurations
Good luck finding /4 or /2/2 UF-B -- it simply isn't made! On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with using some spare UF of the correct gauge and wire-count for an indoor run, and this might be desirable in a crudely roofed shed or utility space that's only barely "indoors".
Pricing varies
Your experience with UF being vastly cheaper than NM sounds like a local anomaly, otherwise people would do as you say. Normally, NM is somewhat cheaper as it uses somewhat less material for the jacketing, and is also easier to work with due to the ability to use a paper separator between the jacket and the insulated wires inside.
It's not just about the "per-foot" cost
Yes, anywhere NM-B is required, UF-B is allowed. So, "#14 NM" is a size you don't need to buy.
But that's a pricing glitch
It's either a discount-store fluke, or a temporary "run on" building materials, or an error in your source data. UF is more expensive because the insulation and sheathing is more complicated. If anything, shortages and the building craze is drying up NM, since people aren't wise to the fact that UF will suffice.
