I wish to hang a chandiler or fan (not sure which) from a glulam beam. The beam is fully exposed and is 22 1/2 inches deep. I do not wish to drill a hole up through the beam, but would like to have the wire to the fan box look good.
I am sure exposed romex down the side of the beam would not pass inspect nor look very nice.
The nicest option I can think of would be to cover the romex with a wood channel. It could easily be made of very thin wood so as to not be very noticable. However, I suspect teh electrical inspector would want a real conduit. DOES ANY KNOW if that is correct? If so, any other ideas?
Thanks as always
Replies
It depends....
In Chicago, where I live, ALL 120V cable must be installed in conduit, except for limited length whips, which must be flexible armored cable.
There is code approved metal raceway found at any good hardware store that can be used to conceal surface mounted wire. Placed correctly, it is often close to invisible once installed and painted.
Good luck.
metal raceway
Thanks, I think I thought about that stuff once before. It is that light weight aluminum stuff, right?
IIRC?
IIRC, the raceway is steel, aluminum wouldn't be sufficiently rigid.
I am not an engineer but I doubt drilling a 3/8" hole through the beam wiouldn't hurt it much. Run a 14/3. It is smaller than a 14/2 (round, not flat) and it will give you the option for a light kit.
Another option is to build a decorative box around the beam, hiding the wiring and the box. Trim to match the beam will make it look like structure. Trim to match the lamp / fan will make it look like part of the fixture.
Bare romex can't be exposed, but it only needs to be covered by the thinest of wood or metal trim to be legal. You could make a small metal or wood channel look like a heavy steel strap, maybe with fake bolts or rivits to make it look more substantial. Then there are various wood trim or blocking that is often used for just this purpose.
Boise Cascade addresses this topic by stating in the Glulam Specifiers Guide (page 28?) that if a single verticle hole is used for electrial wiring to ceiling fans or lights it can be no larger than 1/2" and the Glulam has to be upgraded to the next larger size.
Wiremold is a product specifically made for this use. Rectangular sections, with the appropriiate fittings, that cover the wires. It's made in various sizes, and can be plastic. It can be painted.
More than size or shape, NEATness counts. A nice, clean job won't be noticed.
It is strange that there aren't more attractive options. Even the best-looking Wiremold is UGLY.