When you are setting up wiring in the attic, it’s normal to assume it will be the same as everything else in the house.
However, it is completely different and you will want to make sure the right type of wiring is set up inside the attic. This is the only way it’s going to survive and will not fray as soon as you set it up!
Keeping this in mind, you will want to start by asking – What type of electrical wire for the attic?
The best type of electrical wire for the attic is an armored cable (Type AC) or a non-metallic sheathed cable (Types NMC, NMS, and NM). All cables in the attic should be installed with a conduit for complete protection against temperature fluctuations, pests, and water.
Remember, installing cables in the attic is not the same as any other part of the house. This is not a good place to leave exposed cables and you will end up ruining them in such a state.
Be thorough, install them running along the sides of the attic, and ensure they are inside a conduit.
This guide will dig deeper and offer insight into what type of electrical wire for the attic is best.
Best Conduit For Attic (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Choosing The Right Electrical Wire For The Attic
1. Armored or Sheathed Cables
It’s recommended to go with stronger, more robust wires.
You don’t want something that is made of copper and/or unprotected. Yes, these electrical wires do manage electricity well, but they are also fully exposed in the attic.
You cannot install such electrical wires in the attic as that is not only unsafe but often unusable.
The wires are going to fray and lose efficiency within weeks.
It is important to go with a sheathed or armored cable for anything that is installed inside the attic.
It’s the only way to make sure nothing is exposed and you use the best electrical wire for the attic.
2. Use A Conduit
The attic wiring code is meticulous when it comes to the use of specific protective options including conduits.
It’s highly recommended to use a conduit to hold the electrical wire in place. The reason for this is to prevent damage due to pests, water, and/or temperature fluctuations.
If things go wrong with a live electrical wire, this can become a significant issue moving forward. You could end up with a situation where a fire breaks out and that is a serious risk with exposed wires in the attic.
Instead, you want to take a step back and make sure you are using a conduit to house the wires that are in the attic.
3. Know The Installation Spot(s)
Running wires in the attic is common, but you will want to know where they are going to be set up.
This is to ensure the electrical wires in the attic are going to work well. You don’t want something that is going to break down on you.
This is what leads to major issues and you will not know how to maximize the overall efficiency of the wire.
By having it running along the sides of the attic, you are going to ensure the wire is fully protected. This goes a long way when it comes to meeting building codes and other relevant regulations.
4. Never Leave Exposed Wires In The Attic
You never want to leave exposed wires in the attic.
This is dangerous and it is one of the most common reasons for fires breaking out. When an exposed wire is left in this state, it can spark.
This is why you have to be careful and plan as to where the wires are going to go. This includes having them inside a conduit and tucked along the side of the attic.
Until you do this, you are exposing the entire structure to a fire hazard.
Final Thoughts
What type of electrical wire is for the attic?
The best type of electrical wire for an attic is either a sheathed cable (Types NMS, NM, NMC) or an armored cable (Type AC). Please note, that all cables should be placed inside a conduit for maximum protection from water, pest, and/or temperature-related damage.
Electrical wires that are left exposed in such a setting can become a serious fire hazard.
Don’t let this happen and plan as to where the electrical wires are going to be set up. When done right, these are going to be fully protected and will not become dangerous.
This is key when figuring things out and ensuring you are on top of what needs to happen.
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