[Blueforester]

Wiring lights outlets, ceiling fans etc. in a two level boat house. Wiring will run up in ceiling /floor joist as you would in typically residential home. Wiring will not be exposed to sunlight, direct contact w/ water or soil. Can you use regular indoor NM 12/3, 14/2 wire for this?

[tkrussell]

No boat expert here, and while the National Electric Code does not apply to floating watercraft, it does apply to floating buildings, and NM cable is not allowed in damp locations, and seems that this could be considered as one, at times.

NM cable has a paper lining inside that once gets wet, it acts as a wick, and stay wet or damp.

I would think there is a better method.

[Blueforester]

Thanks! That's what I thought. Although, I've looked a many a boat house and most all run regular NM wiring. I had plenty of indoor 14 and 12 from a previous renovation. I will go ahead a get some NM rated for outdoor use.

[ballengerb1]

Is your boat house built on piers over the water or is it on land the boat runs up/in on a track?

[Blueforester]

It is a fixed boat house on pilings over water. I've installed 2' conduit from shore to where I plan to install sub panel that will be in an enclosed storage room. I plan to pull wire from top of box to over head floor joist to outlets and lights above and below.

[daltonas]

Could you use UF wire - The kind used for direct burial?

[creahands]

Your local electrical inspector should be able to tell u type of cable needed.

Also u could check at boat hardware store.

I would use plastic boxes.

Good luck

Chuck

[tkrussell]

UF cable is an excellent choice and alternative.

Again, never had a chance to wire a house boat, and NM may be perfectly allowed, with no reason to worry about any problems, but something about it just seems wrong, but that is just me.

Umm I am of the opinion of not using store clerks for advice for a licensed trade unless they have a license for that trade. They certainly may know what is standard, reasonable, and customary, but get backup from a professional, such as the local inspector.

I assume that a permit will be needed anyway, so good time to discuss this is when applying for permit, and before doing any work.

[ballengerb1]

I just checked because I guy brought his plans to our building department of a lake home owners association. County allows NM but our code for the association calls for UF. I think our local codes are about as strict as you get, every time something goes haywire we make a dang new rule.