How To Cover Exposed Romex?

Romex is a type of electrical wire used in the construction and electrical industries. They are often exposed during remodeling projects, and when this happens, it can be difficult to cover them up with drywall or plaster.

There are different ways to cover exposed Romex. Most of the time, a Romex wire that is exposed does not need to be covered. Unless you are in your attic or under the house, you should not be seeing exposed Romex wire.

Garbage disposal and dishwasher outlets may be connected to exposed Romex in your kitchen cabinet. There is no problem with this. However, your disposal and dishwasher will need to be plugged in with a cord.

There are outlets in newer homes that comply with current codes. In light of this, Romex shouldn’t be exposed outdoors. The wire should be UF, suitable for direct burial or for burying in conduit if there is one.

So, What’s Romex?

A ROMEX cable consists of at least two insulated conductors and one bare copper ground wire enclosed within an outer plastic sheath. In 1922, the Romex Company invented the non-metallic cable.

In countless homes, you can find this type of non-metallic sheathed cable. This is the trade name for non-metallic, sheathed cables. In the United States, ROMEX wiring is used in about 90 percent of homes.

It is very convenient and easy to operate this type of wiring system. The wiring system in your home was likely installed using NM, or non-metallic sheathed cables if it was constructed (or rewired) after 1965. This type of NM wiring is typically branded under the ROMEX brand, as it is more commonly known.

Since the NEC (National Electrical Code) first recognized this cable in 1926, it has become more widely used. Before Romex and plastic sheathing became the industry standard, woven rayon was used for outer sheathing.

Residential electric wiring is typically run through NM cable in concealed locations such as walls, ceilings, and floor cavities. As a result, NM wiring is sometimes exposed and needs to be concealed, even though the general conduit is the standard for more exposed locations.

Is It Okay To Leave Romex Exposed?

Nowadays, wiring can be found almost anywhere in the house, even on the roof. Basements and garages are no exception. So, if you’re installing a new appliance or just trying to diagnose a faulty switch in the basement, a common question is whether there is a risk of Romex exposure.

There is no reason to leave Romex exposed when it should be run through conduits, as both code and common sense dictate that it shouldn’t be. Wires running through studs or joists, or trusses must be passed through studs if they are running through the attic or basement.

It is important to cover Romex whenever you use it. The National Electrical Code and electricians throughout the US make a point of making sure that the wire is running inside a wall, ceiling, floor, or through a conduit.

This eliminates the possibility of punctures or cuts due to external factors. It is especially important if you are running the wire in your garage since it is exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Because your basement is not subject to as much temperature fluctuation, you might think that you can expose the wire.

It is not uncommon for basements and attics to flood or freeze over during extreme temperatures. As explained above, this is true not just for Romex, but also for other NM (non-metallic) wires.

Can NM Cable be Run Inside Conduit?

In some cases, NM cables that electrical inspectors have improperly run may be re-used by running them through a new conduit if the conduit is installed before the cable is redirected.

There is some debate among electricians about this. According to some professionals, the NM cable inside the conduit might be prone to heat buildup. There are those who view it more leniently.

However, it is very difficult, and very few electricians will install NM cables inside the conduit, even though the National Electrical Code doesn’t explicitly prohibit it.

Exposed Romex: Different Ways to Cover It

There may be some exposed wires in your walls, floors, and underground, even though most non-metallic cabling is concealed and protected.

If you want to hide your exposed ROMEX, you basically have two options. The cable can be placed within a PVC, ENT, or EMT conduit, or you can use WireMold. Here are some other options to consider.

1. Exposed ROMEX Can Be Concealed Using WireMold

For covering non-metallic wires, WireMold raceways are an excellent choice. wiremold, a trusted industry leader, provides cable management products. Cables and wires can be concealed with their simple, non-obstructive products.

You should, however, ensure that you purchase a WireMold product with the right dimensions to fit your wiring. If you have a tight bend in the WireMold elbow, you might want to try an alternative concealment method like ROMEX.

2. Using EMT To Hide ROMEX That Has Been Exposed

EMT has relatively thin walls and is a type of metal conduit. The most common type of construction is galvanized steel, but aluminum is also available. Wires are well protected against physical damage with this type of conduit, which is relatively inexpensive.

You can easily cut, bend, and install EMT depending on your particular requirements. A non-corrosive material and the proper supports, fittings, and fasteners make it suitable for outdoor use. The material is more commonly used in residential homes to conceal wiring.

3. Covering Exposed ROMEX With Plastic Conduit

Plastic conduits come in two forms: rigid PVC pipe and electrical non-metallic tubing. There are many uses for rigid PVC, including indoor, outdoor, and underground installation. Furthermore, it is very cost-effective.

The most common use of ENT tubing is in dry interior projects or places where moisture is found inside a building. You should consider your situation before choosing ENT as a cover for your ROMEX since the ENT itself can be susceptible to damage.

Non-metallic Cables: Types and Uses

Romex, or non-metallic cables, come in different forms that you should be aware of in order to understand them better. Depending on the intended use and location of the wiring, each type may be appropriate.

1. (SE, USE) Service Entrance Cable

Your utility provider uses NM cables to deliver electrical service to your property over the air or underground. Wires installed aboveground are referred to as SE, whereas wires installed underground are referred to as USE.

It is unlikely that homeowners will ever need to deal with this kind of issue, which utility companies should deal with.

2. Cable For Underground Feeders (UF-B)

It is very important to use a very specific cable if cabling will be installed underground. A solid plastic outer sheath covers the wire conductors of the UF-B cable or underground feeder cable.

It is used when circuits need to be run underneath the ground to a shed or garage or when an outdoor feature needs power. Cables with UF-B connectors are usually gray in color.

3. Cable For Buildings (NM-B)

It is the most common type of NM cable used for residential wiring inside walls, floors, and ceilings. You should never install or bury NM-B cable outside or in the ground. It is only permitted in dry locations.

There was a time when all non-metallic cables had a white sheathing. Today, NM-B cables are color coded for consumer convenience.

FAQ

Why Can’t Romex Be Exposed?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) thermoplastic is used as sheathing on Romex. Wires with 14 and 12 AWG sheathing are 19 mils thick. NM sheathing is not recommended for exposed applications, regardless of how strong it is.

What Happens If Romex Gets Wet?

The copper ground wire in most homes is wrapped in ROMEX® wire, which is then insulated by the live and neutral wires. The paper can absorb moisture if the wiring is exposed through a break in the plastic coating or even at the socket.

Is It Possible To Expose Romex In An Attic?

Certainly, there may be exposed NM cables in the attic. Modern houses are very likely to have this feature. If you are using MC cable, the armored cable is not necessary.

Do Garages Allow The Exposure Of Romex?

The National Electrical Code permits exposed NMC, NMS, and NM cables to run in a single-family dwelling, its attached garage, and its storage area.

Can I Use Romex In A Shed?

For the shed wiring, UF-type cables should be used, either direct-buried or pulled (wrestled) through giant conduits, or conduits with THWN wet-rated conductors. For the underground portion, do not use NM (“Romex”) cable.

Can I Strip Romex And Run In Conduit?

There are countless uses for Romex wires, but most DIYers are unsure of whether they can strip Romex and use it outside. In general, yes. It is possible to strip Romex and run it in a conduit.

Can You Bury Romex Without Conduit?

When used outdoors, regular Romex wire must be enclosed in conduit according to the National Electric Code. Therefore, the conduit is not necessary when running a UF-rated wire.

How Do You Protect Romex From Attic?

It will be necessary to protect cables running across joists if the attic is accessible via a permanent staircase or ladder. Installation of “substantial guard strips,” such as 1×2 furring strips on each side of the cable, can protect the cable easily.

How Long Does Romex Last?

The life expectancy of non-metallic (Romex) wiring can exceed 70 years. This is because a protective outer sheathing resists deterioration with age. 

A partial wiring replacement is often necessary when Romex wiring is damaged by animals or overheating.

Can You Run Romex Under A House?

Romex or other non-metallic wires can be used in crawl spaces that are usually dry.

Can Romex Be Exposed In An Unfinished Basement?

Romex is fine inside walls, ceilings, and floors because it is protected from punctures and cuts. Nevertheless, if it runs along exposed basement walls, it is not code-compliant.

Final Words

You may want to consider covering the wiring in your basement as well if you are doing the work yourself. Unfortunately, the pride many DIYers feel in their work has led them to leave their electrical panels exposed.

As much as we understand how it feels to be accomplished, we want to remind you that it is not safe for anyone – especially when exposed to humidity. It is important to remember that the service panel needs to be accessible even if you cover it with household equipment or install a panel board.

Adding a picture to the front, building a cabinet around it, or even making a shelf on top are all options you can choose from. Of course, keep the area around the panel free of anything combustible.