I was searching This Old Spouse and found an article on adding outlets in a garage: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/electrical/article/0,13422,216662,00.html
It says to attach thin-wall conduit to the ceiling and walls, then push individual wires through it.
BX sounds a lot faster and easier. Is there any reason not to use it?
Janet
Replies
I think the article makes installing thinwall conduit sound much easier than it actually is.The chances of being able to get from an existing outlet box to new locations without bending any conduit are pretty slim.Maybe their local code requires it in a garage,I don't know.Conduit definitely makes for a superior installation ,but,type MC cable (which is what I believe you're calling BX) would work also.It does have a different set of code rules and installation methods that you should be familiar with if you're going to DIY.Do you have finished wall and ceiling surfaces that you can't use Romex(Type NM cable),the easiest to use?
Last year I worked with an electrician friend rewiring our house. It was wired with the old cloth covered Romex that was brittle and broke off if you tried to bend it. My city code won't allow NM (Romex), so the proceedure used to be to pull wires through flex for all new circuits. We lucked out tho, because a couple years ago they lightened up and allow MCK for wiring. It consists of 3/8 flex with the wires already in it. It comes in 2 or 3 conductor w/ground wire. We used 12/2 so the circuits can handle up to 20 amps. I don't know if this stuff would be appropriate for your application, but it's real user friendly.
Jennifer
MC is good stuff. The code allows it in most locations. There is a related version for wet locations. It is like NM with body armor. The only commonly used wiring method that is more universally recognized is rigid steel. On the up side it goes in faster than AC because you don't need to pull in wires. On the down side it is more expensive that NM. I figure $.75 my cost per foot once fittings are thrown in.
Code doesn't require it but use anti short bushings as most inspectors like to see them. They are a good idea. Also use the more expensive clamp type fittings as opposed to the set screw kind that can penetrate the armor and damage the conductors if you are inexperienced with the system.
Presumably you're talking about surface-mounting the wiring? Bx would work, though MC is definitely better and has the same advantages as Bx.
EMT is a more sturdy installation and if done well looks better than the squirrelly effect of Bx or MC (IMHO), particularly in a finished area.
Check yer local codes though.....I worked in San Francisco during the 80's and we weren't allowed to run MC exposed below 8'. Bx wasn't allowed at all. In San Mateo ALL wiring had to be done in "pullable raceway", so no Romex, Bx or MC at all: it was all flex, emt, other conduit types.
Ed
Since EMT is always okay, I'll use that. Thanks.