Need to run #12 wire to my gate opener. Have 1" schedule 80 conduit in ground. Can I run 12/2 Romex through the conduit to feed the gate ? Or do I have to run individual wires. Thank You

Sure, as long as the Romex isn't exposed to the elements (terminated in J-boxes)

Thanks for quick answer ( I was hesitant to run the Romex bcs somebody told me that it gets "overheated" inside the conduit ). Thanks!

I believe that code requires the insulation be removed when running the wires. The romex insulation causes a heat build-up and failure. I was told. I always took the time to strip the outer cable and pull individual wires.

NM cable cannot be ran in conduit outdoors.

In your case, you will need THWN or UF cable. Seeing that you already have conduit in place, THWN would be best.

Note: When running THWN, you will need a complete conduit system.


Side note: NM cable can be ran in conduit indoors---code is mute on this issue. Yet, this doesn't deplete the fact that a conduit fill calculation is needed per code.

Hope this helps!

Also see (Just for kicks):
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/can-romex-installed-conduit-215119.html

West,

See NEC 334.112 and 334.12

Milo, PLEASE choose your advice carefully.
There is some extreme misinformation in this thread. Washington has given you the correct answers.

westnlas & wessmire,

You guys are obviously not professionals in this field. PLEASE be more careful in giving advice on this forum. This is NO place to give advice based on "what you heard" or how you've always done something.
KNOW YOUR FACTS before posting.

If it is any great distance. You might up the size of wire to #10, I would also pull and extra wire for lights at the front gate, If ground is still dug up, you may want to run conduit for a camera and/or Intercomm. THHN/THWN is the way to go.

Thanks for quick answer ( I was hesitant to run the Romex bcs somebody told me that it gets "overheated" inside the conduit ). Thanks !!

Looks like Milo went with the wrong suggestions:eek:

Looks like Milo went with the wrong suggestions:eek:


No, not installed yet. Still "in planning". I read all your answers and I am aware of all of your professional suggestions. The work itself will be done in few weeks from now after driveway is installed. The actual wire-pulling is the last thing we'll do. Thanks, anyway!

I stand corrected! In do know that you are NOT allowed to pull non stranded wires through a conduit as individual wires. I also know that you are NOT allowed to pull romex through any conduit at all. I was incorrect in responding and will take time to read the question better in the future. I believe the post that said it was OK to pull the romex threw me off, but that is no excuse!! Especially when something dangerous might have been done.

Med time!!

In do know that you are NOT allowed to pull non stranded wires through a conduit as individual wires.Sure you are. Smaller THHN is sold in solid OR stranded.

I stand corrected !! In do know that you are NOT allowed to pull non stranded wires through a conduit as individual wires. I also know that you are NOT allowed to pull romex through any conduit at all. I was incorrect in responding and will take time to read the question better in the future. I believe the post that said it was OK to pull the romex threw me off, but that is no excuse !!! Especially when something dangerous might have been done.

Med time !!!!
West,

You should stop while you are ahead!

Before the Driveway goes down, if not too late, I would run extra conduits for Water, electric, lights, or a slave motor and control for second operator if that type.

I would run whatever wire I had, since it's outside the house and only used for a gate opener. It's buried anyway. Tie them into the line with a ground fault breaker to protect the house circuit and leave it for the next 50 years. But that is what I would do, if I had materials on hand and didn't want to spend any more money. But I use a lot of medications.

westnlas, you should now stop while you are falling WAY behind.
This last post of your was pathetic, and NOT good advice for a DIYer.

I would stop posting in the electrical section if I were you. You are obviously not a pro and obviously do not have the knowledge and experience to be giving advice to others on this area. :mad:

And some dummy said I was a hack, because I gave him information based on code! What wes posted, is the clear “definition of“!

I'm a moderator for another electrical site, and Wes is lucky I'm not one here. You would have been banned permanently!

West has been warned.

Do not use romex (nm cable) in any form of conduit. The hazard is not overheating, but that it isn't flexible enough. Wires for conduit must be stranded for more flexibility. There are usually bends in conduit and solid wires are not flexible enough to be pulled through all the bends. Romex is made to be installed directly onto a home's structure and not pulled through conduit, meaning the installation process doesn't require it to bend very much. When the wire is bent, it is weakened and loses its ampacity. Stranded wire can be bent more because it is more flexible. Romex is composed of solid conductors.

Electrician777... you surely can pull solid wire through conduit, cables are another issue. And when you say "all the bends", only a total of 360 degrees is allowed (4 90 deg. Bends) in a pull. Solid wire in residential applications was the mainstay for many years. Stranded just made it many times easier.

Electrician777, did you happen to notice the date of the post you replied to?

I have two circuits to my boat dock. One for lighting and one for two boat lifters. There are 5 60 watt bulbs on the one circuit and the two blower motors take 5 amps each. Is there enough heat with that load to cause a heat buildup? The lighting circuit is on a 14-3 romex and the blower motors are on a 12- 2 romex. This is located at Lake Ozarks in Missouri. The only code is the NEC. Thanks

You should start a new post instead of adding to a five year old one...
And elaborate on why you are concerned about this...

You should start a new post instead of adding to a five year old one....
and elaborate on why you are concerned about this....

Sorry about the old post. I rewired my boat dock to comply with the code that is now in place and since I added on to my dock. Part of the revised permit use was to obtain an electrical inspection. The post I wrote explains what I have. The inspector said that the code would not allow romex in PVC conduit. I am looking to see where this is in violation of the NEC code. I do not think I will have a heat problem since this is in 3/4" conduit. That is in addition on the low amperage being drawn. Thanks

Yes it is a violation if the conduit is buried under the surface of the ground... then by definition you are in "wet" location and NM in not permitted in wet or damp locations. The reason here has nothing to do with heat.
Don't waste your time arguing, THWN conductors (which are very common) are rated for damp and wet locations. Do it right and let's go sailing...

Plus you can pull extra conductors for travelers, lighting.
It IS a Violation.