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

[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.

[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.

[esaabye]

OK, were does one find SER cable?

yes, already have 50ft of the other..