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I have recently changed out and replaced a switch disconnect box outside for the A/C condenser unit. The way the wiring was originally done was from the disconnect box they ran the wire in a tube underneath the house to the other side where it connected to the panel (when it was outside).
Now that I have the new panel on the inside of the house, I was thinking of running this wire which is 6/2 UF WB through the attic to the other side down to the new panel. My question is, would it be necessary to run the wire through conduit alongside the house going into the attic? I know the wire itself has the black protective sleeve outside but was wondring if it will be wise to simply put in conduit before making the run.
Location: Sometimes Maryland, sometimes NoVA. Depends on the day of the week
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Hubby says its fine without it b/c UF is designed for outside, direct burial, UV resistant, and "all that nonsense." Wife (aka me) says it would look prettier in conduit. Hubby says the conduit would add an extra layer of protection, but he wouldn't bother. Wife says she'd make him put it in conduit and paint the conduit the color of the house. Hubby suddenly decides that, if he were doing it on this house, he'd do conduit
I take it the new panel is no where near the a/c unit? We (aka hubby) just put in a new disconnect and just punched through the wall.
Hubby says its fine without it b/c UF is designed for outside, direct burial, UV resistant, and "all that nonsense." Wife (aka me) says it would look prettier in conduit. Hubby says the conduit would add an extra layer of protection, but he wouldn't bother. Wife says she'd make him put it in conduit and paint the conduit the color of the house. Hubby suddenly decides that, if he were doing it on this house, he'd do conduit
I take it the new panel is no where near the a/c unit? We (aka hubby) just put in a new disconnect and just punched through the wall.
Nope. The new panel was installed in the same place the original one was, with the only difference being on the inside instead of out. Not sure why they would install the A/C condenser on the other side of the house, but thats how it was done.
Thanks for your husband's input and help! Of course, you would insist on a more prettier look on everything lol.
Location: Sometimes Maryland, sometimes NoVA. Depends on the day of the week
1,501 posts, read 11,753,766 times
Reputation: 1135
Eh, I could see it. You generally want your a/c unit shaded for efficiency, so if the meter is on, say the south or west side of the house, you'd still probably want the a/c on the north or east side. Our metere is on the north side, so it worked out just fine
The wiring should be in conduit. While it is rated for direct burial, where exposed it is supposed to be protected from damage. Put it in conduit. Its easy and pretty cheap to do.
Think rats, squirrels, possums, etc.. Conduit is cheap fire insurance.
Besides the extra insurance, the squirrels can't gnaw through it. like they do a wooden garage door. I have a split A/C furnace system too. It is not unusual in older homes.
"protection from physical damage" is required by NEC.
You need not sleeve the entire length in conduit, but the part of the cable within reach should be sleeved. But at that point, you might as well sleeve the entire run.
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Hubby says the conduit would add an extra layer of protection, but he wouldn't bother. Wife says she'd make him put it in conduit and paint the conduit the color of the house. Hubby suddenly decides that, if he were doing it on this house, he'd do conduit 
Of course, you would insist on a more prettier look on everything lol.
