I'm helping a friend with his house and have a few things I don't fully understand...

In his old home, most of the electrical wiring was updated in the late 90's.

- Most of the basement and attic wiring is all run through metal conduit, is this necessary?
- Is Romex 12-2 a good basic wire to be used for most homes? (running power to lights, outlets, w/d, etc.. )
- I noticed one or two runs of the metal conduit that only have a black and white wire inside them. Although the wires appear newer, there is no visible ground wire. Is this a hazard/problem? What should be done about it?

- Most of the basement and attic wiring is all run through metal conduit, is this necessary?Depends on the area. Some places do require conduit throughout the house.



- Is Romex 12-2 a good basic wire to be used for most homes? (running power to lights, outlets, w/d, etc..)Depends on the circuit. I use 14 for lighting circuits in a home. Some circuits require #12, such as kitchen receptacles, laundry receptacles, bathroom receptacles. A gas dryer could use 12/2, but an electric would require 10/3.
Also, some places do require conduit throughout the house.




- I noticed one or two runs of the metal conduit that only have a black and white wire inside them. Although the wires appear newer, there is no visible ground wire. Is this a hazard/problem? What should be done about it?
If the conduit is all metallic and made up tight it can serve as the grounding means.


If you are not sure of such basic things I would be careful helping someone, especially if they know less than you. This could get you in some hot water later on.