{"id":437,"date":"2021-03-20T16:49:45","date_gmt":"2021-03-20T16:49:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=437"},"modified":"2021-03-20T16:49:48","modified_gmt":"2021-03-20T16:49:48","slug":"how-to-run-electrical-wire-under-outdoor-decks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/how-to-run-electrical-wire-under-outdoor-decks","title":{"rendered":"How to Run Electrical Wire Under Outdoor Decks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When you build a deck or a patio on your lawn, you will, of course, have to wire the thing itself or you may even have to run other electrical wires underneath it (except the main, of course). Regardless of what you\u2019re wiring under, the wiring will eventually be exposed to water and other external elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several electrical wiring regulations that you need to follow when running electrical wire under outdoor decks. Each looks to minimize exposure to the environment and ensure safety for you and your family \u2013 as well as those who will have to conduct repair work on the same in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to run electrical wire under outdoor decks is to do it in a conduit and use an exterior-grade wire and box as the code requires. Furthermore, it is important that if the wiring is above-ground, it should be high enough that animals can\u2019t nibble on it. In this article, we will take a close look at the intricacies involved in running electrical wire under outdoor decks. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Running Electrical Wires Under Outdoor Decks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
If we are to look at the code requirements for running electrical wires under outdoor decks, they offer specific guidelines for above and underground wiring. Under both circumstances, it is essential that you use external grade wiring and run it through conduits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the wiring is above ground, conduits will have to be fastened to the underside of your deck at least 1 foot high and must not be sagging at any point. <\/strong>It is essential that you fasten your wiring parallel to the joists and not your deck\u2019s floor to eliminate any chance of a mishap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at these instructions in a bit more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wire<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We have discussed Romex wires quite a bit in our blog, but it is important to note here that you can\u2019t just run Romex wire when running electrical wire under outdoor decks<\/strong>. Yes, it\u2019s economical and is a nonmetallic wire, but Romex isn\u2019t suitable for outside use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When wiring, you will run a single wire per conduit, which is code requirement for all commercial buildings. Although you\u2019re not building a commercial building, since the wire will be relatively exposed to the elements and animals, for your own safety<\/strong>,<\/strong> run just one wire per conduit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When choosing the best wire for the task, make<\/strong> a point of choosing wires with a wet rating<\/strong>. When searching, you will find that wires will be rated as THHN or THWN. THHN means Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon coated wire, while THWN means Thermoplastic Heat and Water-Resistant Nylon Coated. You need THWN <\/strong>wires for the job. There isn\u2019t much of a cost difference, but there is a huge difference in utility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The choice between solid or stranded wire is yours to make. Just remember that while stranded wire is easier to work with, it isn\u2019t as easy to terminate (prepare the ends for connection). Non-metallic wires (NM) will work here and are actually used in many third world countries, but in the UK and US, using these is against code.<\/strong> Apart from code, if you are running NM wires, running them through a conduit is going to be a nightmare for you \u2013 not to mention how it will throw your calculations off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another problem you are likely to face is that NM wires aren\u2019t labeled on the inside, thus introducing uncertainties. You <\/em>might be able to install them correctly but the next person might not be so lucky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend investing in 3 rolls of wire <\/strong>for this. For an economical and lasting solution, we recommend that you invest in the 500 feet rolls. At the end, you will have some to spare as well; which a DIY-er such as yourself can always find use for later. The three rolls should be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Electrical](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Running-electrical-wire-under-outdoor-decks-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/A-various-electrical-conduit-installed-outside-1024x682.jpg\")