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    JimfromSTL's Avatar
    JimfromSTL Posts: 49, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Jul 3, 2010, 09:59 AM
    Receptacle in attic
    I have a home built in 1980. Some time ago I ran a wire (14-2 romex) up to the attic from an receptable that I installed in my family room. I never connected it.

    Several years ago I had my kitchen remodeled and they ran some 14-2 in my attic for the revised lighting and switch controls for my new kitchen layout.

    I have decided now is the time to connect my unconnected outlet to one of the wires run for my kitchen remodel.

    Both my wire and that run for the kitchen remodel are just laying loose on the blown insulation and rafters.

    However, I have some quick questions. First it gets awfully hot in my attic (summer in St. Louis) and while I presume the electricians used the proper romex, and mine is similar (although theirs says citrex A and mine is Citrex I), I would like to know if my romex is okay for such a hot location. My second question is whether there is any code that prevents a receptacle from being in the attic (I have an all-weather enclosure for the receptacle to prevent any insulation from getting into it. And finally, I was planning on using a plastic junction box as I presumed metal would get hotter and retain the heat longer - but maybe there is a reason that suggests metal is more appropriate.

    Any guidance or info to consider would be appreciated.

    Regards

    Jim
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Jul 4, 2010, 03:50 AM
    Using Romex in the attic is fine, along with using a plastic box.

    An "all weather" box is not necessary.
    JimfromSTL's Avatar
    JimfromSTL Posts: 49, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #3

    Jul 6, 2010, 05:56 AM

    Thanks for the info. My concern was the heat - the romex was (not scalding) hot to the touch already, with no load on them... I knew wire was rated for temp... just wanted to make sure.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    Jul 6, 2010, 06:12 AM

    Romex is rated to handle 90 deg C, or 194 Deg F.

    If it gets that warm in the attic, you will have other problems.
    JimfromSTL's Avatar
    JimfromSTL Posts: 49, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #5

    Jul 6, 2010, 06:25 AM

    Ah... you've never experienced summer in St. Louis ! :-) thanks for info.

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