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Fredonians · Sep 19, 2009, 08:11 AM

Hi.

I need to bring 2 new circuits from the panel in the garage to the basement. I would like to use 12/2 NM-B (Romex with ground) from the panel through PVC conduit to the basement. It is about a 12' run, then a 90 degree turn, then about another 10' to a spot below the panel. At this point it would enter the sheetrocked wall and go up to the panel. The conduit would be fastened to the sheetrock about 9" to 1' above the poured concrete floor of the garage. I have enough 1" PVC conduit on hand to do this. However I must confess that I don't really understand the fill ratios for the conduit I have been reading about.
Can I run these 2 pieces of Romex through the 1" PVC conduit for the 22' run? Note that this is all inside the garage, no outside exposure.
Thanks, Fredonians

hkstroud · Sep 19, 2009, 07:44 PM

Without doing any fill calculations I'm sure two 12/2 in 1" conduit would be just fine. If you are not comfortable with that, pull a single 12/3 cable, even less fill. Why are you putting it in conduit anyway?

tkrussell · Sep 20, 2009, 06:10 AM

I understand why your using conduit, as the wiring will be exposed on the surface of the garage wall from the panel in the garage to the basement.

If you can install conduit properly with the proper fittings, connectors, etc, you would be much better off pulling individual conductors from the panel to a junction box in the basement, where you can then connect cable to continue onto the basement outlets. You can buy stranded #12 wire, in the proper colors needed, off a reel.

While there is no code restricting pulling Romex through a conduit, as it is often done for short runs for physical protection, pulling through longer runs often go badly.

HK is very correct, better to pull one #12-3 than 2 #12-2.

I don't have the time to do the fill calcs, as I need to research the outside dimensions of the Romex cable, and then do the calcs.

Believe me, you will be sorry for trying to pull Romex through conduit, unless the conduit is grossly oversized.

hkstroud · Sep 20, 2009, 07:44 AM

TK,
Is there any thing wrong with removing the sheathing of Romex and using the wire in conduit? To save a trip to the store for short runs.

Fredonians · Sep 20, 2009, 06:59 PM

Hi folks, thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
Yes, the conduit is indeed to avoid exposed wiring in the garage.
The reason I was thinking of using the items I specified was because I already had those specific things with the conduit left over from a data cabling project.
Sounds like I would be best served buying the 12-3 instead of being a chaepskate.
Thanks again. F