I'm in the process of building a pavilion and was wondering about electrical requirements. Will the electric have to be ran in conduit? The ceiling will be enclosed.

 

Welcome to the forums!

Is this a residential installation? What kind of construction is it? (Metal, wood framed, etc)

 

It's a post frame building with metal roofing/ceiling. No sidewalks being a pavilion. Residential.

 

Did you mean sidewalls?

.

 

That is correct. Sorry. Autocorrect

 

Code requires exposed cables to be protected from physical damage and closely follow the building finish. If the finish is just the exposed posts and purlins, then I would think that is acceptable. However, your local inspector(s) may have a difference of opinion, so you might want to check with them. If there is a chance for the cable to get damaged it should be protected by running boards or conduit.

 

Thanks for the response. Appreciate your time!

 

Here's what I typically do:

Underground 2'' conduit with feed conductors into 20 space outdoor panel

1 20A SWD rated breaker for lights

Run 12/2 MC cable to steel light boxes. If you wish to use fans put in fan-rated boxes.

Figure in your receptacle needs. I generally add a MWBC or two if you plan on using crock pots or food warmers for parties. Other than that a receptacle circuit with a receptacle every other post is fine. Receptacles need GFCI protection and in-use covers. I recommend GFCI breakers. All exposed wiring needs to be in conduit. If you use MC cable you need to use metallic conduit.

 

If you use metallic conduit, why do you use MC cables and not individual THHN/THWN conductors?

 

I'm talking about sleeving the MC cable when going down a post, etc.