New Circuit in Mobile Home
#1
12-30-04, 03:40 AM
New Circuit in Mobile Home
From what I've seen, I have no idea why they make running new circuits in mobiles homes such a hassle. I can't run anything through the ceiling because it's nothing but insulation. There's no getting through the walls, as I would guess in any building situation would be hard. I'm not an experienced electrician but, surprise surprise, a do-it-yourselfer.
What I'm wanting to do is run a circuit from one end of my mobile home to the kitchen (half the house away) for a dishwasher. The only thing I can do, it seems, is to run it under the house attaching it to the floor joists underneath. But that's covered in insulation and plastic.
It's been suggested that as long as I have underpinning, I could plastic-staple the wire to the joists every 4' (3rd joist). So, my questions include these: 1) Do I need UF cable since it's going to be outside in "damp" conditions? 2) I'm thinking I do not need a GFCI breaker/receptacle for a dishwasher since it's a fixed appliance. 3) Is it according to code for me to even staple the wire to the edge of a joist?
Does ANYone have any suggestions? It's a typical mobile home setup. What I'm really concerned with is running the circuit according to code. Please help! Thanks in advance!
What I'm wanting to do is run a circuit from one end of my mobile home to the kitchen (half the house away) for a dishwasher. The only thing I can do, it seems, is to run it under the house attaching it to the floor joists underneath. But that's covered in insulation and plastic.
It's been suggested that as long as I have underpinning, I could plastic-staple the wire to the joists every 4' (3rd joist). So, my questions include these: 1) Do I need UF cable since it's going to be outside in "damp" conditions? 2) I'm thinking I do not need a GFCI breaker/receptacle for a dishwasher since it's a fixed appliance. 3) Is it according to code for me to even staple the wire to the edge of a joist?
Does ANYone have any suggestions? It's a typical mobile home setup. What I'm really concerned with is running the circuit according to code. Please help! Thanks in advance!
#2
12-30-04, 06:30 AM
To run the wires across the joists as you suggest would require a board be installed and that the wire run against the code.
You would be better to use conduit and individual wires.
You would be better to use conduit and individual wires.
#3
12-30-04, 07:00 AM
You're saying that a board would need to be affixed to the joists running the length of the wire?
Here are my proposed plans:
-Run PVC rigid conduit from breaker box to receptacle.
-Use 12-gauge THHN/THWN wire.
-Use a 20-amp breaker.
Any suggestions/comments?
Here are my proposed plans:
-Run PVC rigid conduit from breaker box to receptacle.
-Use 12-gauge THHN/THWN wire.
-Use a 20-amp breaker.
Any suggestions/comments?
Last edited by DocX; 12-30-04 at 07:41 AM.
#4
12-30-04, 11:51 AM
Member
(1) Depends on how wet or dry the crawl space is. UF-B certainly would be the safe approach, but NM-B might be okay too.
(2) Correct. Dishwashers are not normally GFCI protected.
(3) Debatable. If this crawl space is not normally accessed for anything, then I'd say that you can just staple the cable to the joists. If you store stuff there or get in and out for other reasons, I'd use the running board for additional protection.
Your second post proposed a completely different plan than your first post, but either proposal is doable.
(2) Correct. Dishwashers are not normally GFCI protected.
(3) Debatable. If this crawl space is not normally accessed for anything, then I'd say that you can just staple the cable to the joists. If you store stuff there or get in and out for other reasons, I'd use the running board for additional protection.
Your second post proposed a completely different plan than your first post, but either proposal is doable.
#5
12-31-04, 05:56 AM
Well, I changed my mind about running the cable exposed to running it in PVC conduit because, first, it can't hurt! 
And, actually, it'll only help. Plus, if I run conduit, I don't have to worry about a running board. I believe the conduit would be cheaper and much simpler than a running board, unless I'm wrong, which I've been known to be a few times.
I moved from NM to THHN/THWN wire primarily since I'm going to be running it in a conduit. Secondly, it's rated to resist heat and moisture, I believe, so I'm good to go there. If there's a reason to go with NM cable instead, please, let me know.
What I've learned about wiring I've learned from a Black & Decker home wiring book and a close friend of mine who's done a lot of electrical work. Mobile homes seem to be a species all their own when it comes to remodeling and upgrading. Thanks for everyone's help!
And, actually, it'll only help. Plus, if I run conduit, I don't have to worry about a running board. I believe the conduit would be cheaper and much simpler than a running board, unless I'm wrong, which I've been known to be a few times. I moved from NM to THHN/THWN wire primarily since I'm going to be running it in a conduit. Secondly, it's rated to resist heat and moisture, I believe, so I'm good to go there. If there's a reason to go with NM cable instead, please, let me know.
What I've learned about wiring I've learned from a Black & Decker home wiring book and a close friend of mine who's done a lot of electrical work. Mobile homes seem to be a species all their own when it comes to remodeling and upgrading. Thanks for everyone's help!
