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I have a 6/3 NM-B cable that is to be run through a Southwire Ultratite conduit to an external outlet for a generator. I plan to strip the cable prior to threading through the conduit: 1. for ease of passage; 2. for thermal issues. Just wondering what is the protocol for where the stripped section should start - just outside the conduit, or just inside? Also, the Ultratite fitting at the back of the outlet box has no provisions for clamping the wires in place. Can I presume then, that in this instance, clamping is not necessary as long as the wire is firmly anchored before entering the conduit run?

Tester101
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Mark F
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2 Answers2

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There are (at least) two problems with this, and the solution to both is to change to THWN (or another wet-rated labeled conductor) when you change to conduit.

Problem one is that stripped NM is not labeled and not acceptable per code for that reason, as @Speedy Petey said.

The second is that you are running to an external location, which means that the conduit is by code defined to be a wet environment, and even with the sheath on, NM is not rated for wet locations, but you need a wire that is rated for wet locations.

Ecnerwal
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  • The NM outer sheath will be stripped only in the portion that runs through the 18" of conduit through the wall. It will be labeled along the remaining 20 ft of its length. 2) The Ultratite connections are designed to be waterproof (product name is actually "Liquidtight"), as is the outlet box (obviously). Therefore, this is not a wet/damp location.
    • – Mark F Feb 21 '15 at 15:28
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    It is defined, by code, as a wet location. There are no exceptions for the type of conduit. And it will, in fact be wet, if only due to condensation from the interior air hitting the cold exterior conduit, in which case a perfectly waterproof conduit just holds all the water inside. – Ecnerwal Feb 21 '15 at 16:58
  • Thanks for the clarification Ecnerwal. I see your point here. I'm wondering how long it has been against code to run NM wire to outside outlets? My professionally installed hot tub and an outside outlet are both fed by NM cables! – Mark F Feb 21 '15 at 18:05
  • @MarkF -- are you confusing NM-B with UF? – ThreePhaseEel Feb 21 '15 at 18:14
  • No, definitely not. The cable running to the outlet is Romex Simpull NM-B (12-2) and the hot tub cable specifically says NM-B on the sheathing. I'm familiar with UF because that's what I ran out to my garage. – Mark F Feb 21 '15 at 19:07
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    If your hot tub is fed with any type of NM cable for ANY portion outside of the house that is also a major violation. – Speedy Petey Feb 21 '15 at 20:53
  • Thanks Speedy. How long has this been the code? The hot tub was installed pre-2000. – Mark F Feb 21 '15 at 22:46