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Bill – I’m in Chicago now, and everything is in pipe or armored cable in remodels. I like it that way I think. Romex can be damaged to easily.
I don’t have any problems with using romex, but I agree with Joe, in that it can be damaged too easily.
In Mass – We use Romex everywhere except where code dictates pipe of armored cable
~ Rob at http://www.ConcordCarpenter.com
I work with my two sons. We can pipe as a team almost as fast as if we just drilled and pulled Romex. I like the flexibility to pull new lines/switches if needed for future work. I have no personal problem with Romex.Just because something isn’t “CODE” in a certain geographic area doesn’t mean it is unsafe.
Romex is pretty much the norm here in California residential construction (with some exceptions). With that said, we had a remodel project here a couple years ago and I wasn’t too happy when one of the carpenters fired a nail through a live circuit (Romex wiring) that was already living happily in a shear wall until then. I put the armored stuff in on some of my DIY projects, even when it’s considered overkill in this neck of the woods.
I have to say, I was also very happy to discover most of the electrical in our house was in conduit, which makes replacing ancient wiring a million times easier, especially when you’re dealing with plaster walls.
I never thought about removing and re-installing in conduit – much easier
~ Rob at http://www.ConcordCarpenter.com
Here in TX there is a lot of ROMEX use. Yes it’s weaker, but it all depends how careless you are in installing it. It is so hard to ignore how much less it costs vs. conduit.
I use them both based on what the code calls for. Here Romex is what is mostly used for residential, and Pipe or bx for commercial/industrial.
True depends on code regulations. I like Romex
Its easier to run and a lot flexible then Emt
Or armoured cable . Residential indoors Romex
Outside emt or cable armoured. Commercial
Industrial EMT.Romex is the norm here as well, it is easier to work with . when called for I prefer EMT to armoured cable (BX) as I find armoured a pain in the butt.
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I’m no expert on wiring but I do it once in a while. I recently did a trailer and I sleep better knowing I used Armored rather than Romex, But I hated the extra work of cutting it.
From my limited experience – I have mostly seen romex, but it has just been residential stuff
John S
Chicag , where the write the codes to keep the electricians working.
In Minnesota we use romex wherever possible. Much faster and less expensive. Rework later is not as easy howev er.
The house I grew up in was done in BX/armoured. It was overkill at the time (we were very rural and code was very relaxed), but it was quite resistant to errant nails/screws/etc… If I were pulling wire in a new build or a down to studs build, I’d be inclined to go with BX again, just because. I’d rather overengineer electrical stuff than underengineer it. Conduit would be an acceptible second (and better for rework), but BX is more of an all-in-one type thing and seems like it would be nominally quicker. Anytime I open a wall and see bare romex, I start to worry. And it’s rare that I see those protection plates used properly where the romex goes through a stud… so I think I’m justified in my nervousness!
Romex is the norm in NC. I can see the advantage to using conduit especially for remodels, but with everybody trying to get the lowest price it can be a tough sell.
Automotive Pro
Fayetteville, NC
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