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-   -   Electrical, Plaster, and Adobe (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=42170)

  • Nov 11, 2006, 10:39 AM
    ESantiago
    Electrical, Plaster, and Adobe
    What is the best way to run new electrical outlets in the walls of an abobe (mud brick) and plaster house. We already removed the ceiling.
  • Nov 11, 2006, 12:59 PM
    tkrussell
    Since I personally never had a chance to wire an Adobe, not really popular in New England, all I can offer is the following methods that I know will work, each having their own difficulties.

    Steel EMT (or thinwall) conduit with compression fittings will work and not be too expensive. Problems I can see is the channels need to be fairly straight and bends in the channel need to be identical to the bender's radius.Also since 1/2" EMT is 7/8" OD, the channel would need to be at least 1" deep to allow for an 1/8" plaster covering. Not sure if this is enough covering.

    Any metallic or PVC conduit will work, but still have the same installation problems.

    AC (BX) Cable can be used in plaster, see this previous post for details:
    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...ght=plaster+bx

    There is also a BX or MC type cable with a PVC coating, that is allowed for direct burial and embedded in poured concrete.

    Beyond these ideas, is it possible that you check with a local building dept.

    Here is a book available to build Adobe home.

    Instead of guessing and giving you my ideas, I went and found the local electrical code for Scottsdale Arizonia, looking for any ideas.

    Do a search for "adobe" in the document, you will find it addressed in several locations.

    Appears they have already have their requirements written for Adobe structures and seems like a good place to get some ideas of what is allowed. Even includes NM cable.
  • Nov 11, 2006, 03:25 PM
    labman
    If you are just adding a few outlets as a retro fit, you could use the same Wire Mold (T) surface mount stuff as often used in other buildings. Otherwise follow the advice tkrussel spent the time digging up. We are lucky to have him.

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