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starshine1 · Feb 6, 2008, 12:20 PM

Hi -
I'm starting a project,and just want to make sure I've got things straight! Thanks for your help!
Our 1934 house lacks receptacles on one side of the unfinished basement. I want to run
A new circuit from the 100amp box, and there is room in the box.
I can run (12 gauge?) romex for a 20 amp circuit from the box,through floor joists,
To opposite wall. Then, romex through conduit down the wall to first receptacle box.
I understand this first box needs to have GFI receptacle. Then, I'll daisy chain through conduit to next receptacle box (a fourplex) and next (another fourplex). These do not need to be GFI, correct? Am I missing any important info?
Thanks!

Stratmando · Feb 6, 2008, 12:32 PM

Sounds fine, GFI in first receptacle. Load side to the 2 Quads. You may not need GFI at all.
Why do you think you need one?

hkstroud · Feb 6, 2008, 12:44 PM

The code requires GFI in unfinished basements. If you are finishing off this area you do not have to use GFI. Why are you running conduit? Does your local code require it. Read direction, GFI can be wired stand alone or to protect outlets downstream.

tkrussell · Feb 6, 2008, 02:57 PM

All I have to add is if the conduit you use is metal, when the Romex enters each piece of conduit that runs down the concrete wall to protect the cable, be sure to use a special connector made to couple cable to EMT. It has a set screw for the EMT end and a two screw cable clamp at the other end.

If you use PVC conduit, the cable still needs to "connect" to the conduit, you can use an FA Female Adapter and thread a Romex connector into it.

Just to be clear, as HK mentions, all outlets in an unfinished basement need to be GFI protected. This can be by either a circuit breaker or one GFI receptacle at the first outlet in the circuit.

starshine1 · Feb 6, 2008, 05:43 PM

Thanks,everyone.
I'll be using metal conduit on the masonry walls, and I'll be sure to use the special connectors you mentioned.

Stratmando · Feb 6, 2008, 06:41 PM

Sorry about that, we don't have basements in our county, Actually I know of 1underground gun range, an an underground Wine Celler, Oh yeah under Ernest Hemmingway's House about 90 miles away. One last one under a local business. They should be on a Tour. We are near Sea Level, I can't give locations

starshine1 · Feb 11, 2008, 01:31 PM

Thanks for all your help.
One further question (upon further internet exploration): Do I need to strip NM cable where it runs through metal conduit? Is there a maximum length I can run NM cable through protective conduit along a wall? Or should I start with NM wire to the point where it meets the wall,install a jbox there, and then use THWN wires to go through conduit and from receptacle box to box?

tkrussell · Feb 11, 2008, 02:09 PM

NM can go through conduit indefinitely. Although, very long runs or with any bends will prohibit pulling NM cable.

What your proposing, using shot pieces coming down the wall, are probably only going to be 6 to 10 feet at best.

Just sleeve the cable as is, stripping only the portion of cable that will be in the outlet box. Be sure to leave at least 6 inches of wire in the box.