I was inspecting a church recently and noticed that they had installed romex wiring into an existing light switch. It went from there about 20 feet to a light bulb. This was done to give light to an enclosed area under an egress stairway. Can Romex wiring be wired so that it is in front of the sheetrock? I've only seen it behind the sheetrock and in other voids during construction.

You see it all of the time in basements and garages. However, every town has a building department and they can tell you if their codes allow this, likely not.

You see it all of the time in basements and garages. However, every town has a building department and they can tell you if their codes allow this, likely not.

Yeah, I have already put in an email asking my counterpart over at the Bldg. Dept. what he thinks on it. Thanks for the reply.:rolleyes:

Do you know which code book your town has adopted and are there additional codes for this locale?

Yes, we use the ICC (International Code Council) codes. I was looking in NFPA 70 to see if they mention it, but had to locate the generic term for romex. It appears that it is called non-metallic flexible conduit.

The generic term is NMB.

The correct term is "Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable".

NM cable, NMB, Romex, are all generic terms depending on where you are.

NM cable can be installed exposed, as long as it is not subject to physical damage.

See NEC 334.10 & 334.12

I don't believe NM is allowed in a church stairwell outside the sheetrock.

334.12(A)(5) which covers a use not permitted for NM refers to 518.4(B). 518 covers assembly occupancies. Glancing through that article I see that NM is allowed only if installed in portions of the building not required to be of fire rated construction. I would have a hard time believing an egress stairway wouldn't be required to be of fire rated construction.

I agree. As the stairwell is a required path of egress, I believe that it would not be allowed to be exposed like this either.

WHOA! I just realized. You said church.

NO NM cable AT ALL Is allowed in a church. A church is a "place of assembly". NM cable is not allowed in a place of assembly except for certain specific instances.
Must be MC cable or conduit with an insulated ground.

Yes. Exactly, a Place of Assembly. I'm also requiring them to have a licensed electrician send us a letter stating the installation meets current Code. And I'll probably ask the Bldg. Dept. Electrical Inspector to check it out as well.