If i am building bulkheads in a basement, and install a recessed light fixture, does the wiring to the fixure need to be BX (armoured cable) or can i simply use romex.. the wiring won’t be running through the studs anywhere, and will be affixed to the ceiling joists which are standard wood framing.
thanks
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Replies
Depends on the occupancy and local Codes.
If the NEC is the applicable Code, and if the building is a single-family residence, then romex is O.K.
So you're using steel studs, how about the top plates? Anytime a cable passes through a steel stud, there has to be a proper grommet.
Cliff
In my area, if the wiring is "protected" then Romex in the ceiling would be OK. If the wiring is exposed and under 8' from the floor, then it would have to be BX, in conduit, or similar. If the wiring is exposed and over 8', then unprotected Romex is allowed. As the previous poster indicated, local codes can vary.
The wiring needs, of course, to be protected from abrasion by the steel studs. If it's securely anchored to the wood joists such that it never gets within an inch or so of the steel, that should be sufficient. Otherwise appropriate bushings are needed.
If the ceiling below the wiring will be finished, and this is standard residential construction, then there should be no need to use armored cable, though some inspectors may demand armored for the last few feet feeding a troffer style fixture in a suspended ceiling.
Thanks for the re-affirmation.. as I suspected but wanted to be sure.. common sense pervails once again :)