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February 3, 2009
NEC, Right or Wrong
I opened up a wall that needs repair and I've come to find that the previous owner had used Romex instead of BX to wire a couple of electrical outlets. Does anyone know if the use of romex is code in an old wood frame house or should I replace it all with BX?
TIA
Comments
First and foremost make sure that all the terminations are grounded. If they are, it may not be worth replacing unless you are already ripping out alot and doing major renovations.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at February 3, 2009 3:37 PM
While it may not be up to code, if installed right it is perfectly safe.
Posted by: cmu at February 3, 2009 4:09 PM
What cmu said. I have romex in a few places as well...an additional light in the basement, a switch I moved hidden in the wall, an additional outlet.
It could be brought up when you sell if an inspection found it but its unlikely to be discovered.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 3, 2009 4:56 PM
Romex is not allowed under nyc electrical code, so even if it's not a hazard, the fact that its there means someone other than a pro did the work. Even an unlicensed electrician would have used BX.
I'd hire a licensed electrician to inspect the whole system. That way you can be assured that there is no safety/fire hazard issue.
Posted by: appoggiatura at February 3, 2009 5:43 PM
Romex is not allowed under nyc electrical code, so even if it's not a hazard, the fact that its there means someone other than a pro did the work. Even an unlicensed electrician would have used BX.
I'd hire a licensed electrician to inspect the whole system. That way you can be assured that there is no safety/fire hazard issue.
Posted by: appoggiatura at February 3, 2009 5:43 PM
Depends on where you are. There are some places in NYC where Romex is allowed.
Posted by: Bond at February 3, 2009 5:54 PM
I thought Romex was allowed in a single family house under the new code?
Posted by: denton at February 3, 2009 6:12 PM
no romex in nyc period, except for temporary pigtails on a worksite
Posted by: eman1234 at February 3, 2009 6:59 PM
to check if the previous owner had any of the work done legitimately, go to the nyc dept of bldg website, enter your address, and push the "electrical permit" button..five bucks says no filing...no one, except a handyman or a homeowner uses romex..
Posted by: eman1234 at February 3, 2009 7:02 PM
Bond has no idea what they are talking about.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 4, 2009 9:55 PM
I heard, from an electrician, that romex is code for certain types of use -i.e. in a dropped ceiling where there is ample space -the problem with it being that if it is dragged through walls the casing can rip and puncture. I have also heard that rodents might chew through it...is this not true? Why would they be selling it at Lowes&HD if it's not code in NYC?
Posted by: herbivore at February 5, 2009 11:16 AM
Herbivore: Lowes also sells plastic electrical boxes and many other items that cannot be used in the City of New York. They also sell electrical panels that do not have MEA numbers. They are a nationwide operation and I'm fairly certain the guy ordering stocking does not order any differently for NYC than they do for Dallas or anywhere else. Romex is not permitted for use anywhere in the five boroughs in any type of structure for permanent use EVER. Oh and exterior runs must be in rigid conduit; we don't get to use rain tight fittings or direct burial cable either. Fire that electrician or at least tell them to go back to Jersey. Though he is right that rats love to nibble on cable.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 5, 2009 12:56 PM
Points taken about Lowes...they also could sell romex for it's temporary use, I realized. The electrician in question has already gone back to...Germany.
A related question:
Is it code to use a light track that has an adapter and cord that plugs into an outlet? If so, would it also be code to hardwire a few light fixtures (not to be buried in a ceiling) to a cable with a plug -that plugs into an outlet?
TIA
Posted by: herbivore at February 18, 2009 12:21 PM
People who say romex is absolutely illegal in NYC are simply unfamiliar with code and are repeating "urban legend code." In very limited applications (some small residential, not just temporary) it is legal. Not that I would use it personally. If you want I will point you to appropriate section of NYC Amendments to NEC (2005)
Posted by: kvolt at November 4, 2009 9:16 AM
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