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What wire to use instead of Romex

I want to install a dedicated 20amp outlet (likely an AQ NRG). The run from the main panel in the garage to my living room above is relatively short - maybe 25 or 30 feet. Because of HOA rules/regs, I cannot use Romex. Wires in the garage must be inside conduit. I will run 10AWG, but I'm unsure what other specs I should implement. Should I use solid core or stranded? Should it be copper? Is BX the way to go? I've read where using stranded silver or silver tungsten is best, but I'd be concerned about the silver oxidizing/tarnishing over time, especially at the junction points where the wire has no insulation. Is it important to twist the three (including ground) wires or will they perform just as well if run side-by-side? 

roccity
roccity's avatar
roccity OP
37 posts
 

Thanks @zlone and @ditusa 

I'm definitely going to have an electrician do the install for me.  I'm okay with working on 110, but I don't trust myself around the main panel!  Looking at MC cables on Amazon and HomeDepot.com, they all seem to be aluminum-clad, not steel, and both stranded and solid core copper are available.

New Q1: Stranded vs Solid Core?
New Q2: Any tips on where I can find steel-clad? 

Thanks again!
Patrick

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,386 posts
 

 Solid Core copper conductors with insulated ground, not stranded. The electrician will know where to get steel-clad MC cable.

Mike

zlone
1,322 posts
 

No help here, sorry. I was under the impression that solid core is code, though I am sure someone else can comment. I just ran Romex for my dual lines, but it is only about 15 feet.

nwres's avatar
nwres
287 posts
 

Depends on the local code requirements that your HOA is following. In some states, though not common, hollow (metal/Alum) conduit is required to be bent and set, then solid wire fished through. MC flex cables may only be used for certain lengths of runs. It all depends... If you don't know your local code requirements, as said before, consult your electrician first before picking products. A licensed electrician will know the code.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,411 posts
 

Use an electrician for installation. But specify the wire. They will think you are crazy, every time I have done it they have. They will refuse to believe that different wire sounds different. I just asked them to humor me. Definitely 10 gauge. I think there is specialty wire. I'm sure someone here will specify it.  I used 10 gauge Rolex. Excellent improvement in my system. 

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