Basement Electical Question

[esaabye]

Finishing a basement, running #6 conductors to a sub panel off the main in the garage. The entire path will be in wall or ceiling.

Question, do I need to run conduit for the 3 insulated conductors and the ground? Does not seem like I should but code is not logic...

[Danceswithwires]

Individual conductors (not in a factory made cable) must be in a continuous conduit run

[SideShow Bob]

Yes, unless it is an SO type cord rated for use in that type of manner.
IE, hot tub or range type of 3 conductor cable with ground.
Three individual conductors and a ground is a big No No without conduit.


Edit: DWW beat me to it.

[SideShow Bob]

You could put your sub panel next to the main and rope your circuits to the basement.
Remember, code says all remodel work needs to meet current codes, so the new circuits need to be arc fault protected no matter where the sub panel is located.

[esaabye]

Was worried that would be the answer, so it looks like 1 1/4 to hold the 3 #4 and 1 #6 according to the book, correct?

[Danceswithwires]

What size breaker are you feeding the panel with? In your first post you said #6's that would work out to a 60 amp breaker, 3 #6 & 1 #10 ground will go in a 3/4" 60 is usually plenty for a basement. If you want to do 4's that works out to a 80 amp breaker, 3 #4's & #8 ground will go in a 1" not sure about the availability of the 80 amp breaker. Remember to float the neutral and use bushings, bonding on at least one end

[Danceswithwires]

Remember, code says all remodel work needs to meet current codes, so the new circuits need to be arc fault protected no matter where the sub panel is located.
Also remember all arc fault breakers are full size

[SideShow Bob]

Though the code says 3-#4s & a #8 ground is permissible in a 1" conduit, for the minor extra expense go with the 1 1/4" conduit. Especially in the confines of a residential remodel. The ease of pulling through the larger conduit will outweigh the few extra dollars spent.
You will thank yourself afterwards. [Tooth]

[esaabye]

running a 70 amp breaker, so 1 1/4 it is... Running the #4 (miss typed first post) so we have the option for 100 down the road if needed.

[Sparky]

Run some SER cable. No conduit needed.

[SideShow Bob]

Run some SER cable. No conduit needed.

That is what I meant, not SO. Thanks......[Tooth]

[Danceswithwires]

Run some SER cable. No conduit needed.

That's a better solution but it sounds like he has wire he wants to use up. #4 is not good for 100 amps. If you're going conduit and you think you might want 100 amps down the road then do run 1 1/4" or make life easier and run ser cable good for the 100 be sure to use deox

Edit; posting from the phone sucks

[esaabye]

OK, were does one find SER cable?

yes, already have 50ft of the other..

[SideShow Bob]

Don't know any electrical supply houses down your way, but CED (6th. Ave. & I-25) in Denver carries it.

[Danceswithwires]

OK, were does one find SER cable?

yes, already have 50ft of the other..

Any electrical supply house that sells residential material (most of them) Home Depot sells some SER too not sure if they have it large enough. Too bad I have a nice chunk in my storage that I have been trying to find a home for. Cost Plus here in Denver usually treats the small contractors good, better than the big supply houses, they have a store in Centennial but that's not too close to you I don't think

[esaabye]

I'm in Denver daily so not a big deal, only need 60 ft.

[Sparky]

Keep in mind. This SER cable will be aluminum. Size accordingly.