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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
jea48
4,871 posts
 

@roccity 

That angled flexible metal conduit feeding the small load centers is butt ugly... frown

The HOA shouldn’t question your use of MC cable. Good thing about 10-2 solid copper wire MC cable, the solid #10awg copper wire stiffens the metal armor so it can look more presentable to the eye. 

 

jea48
4,871 posts
 

@roccity 

It just occurred to me, your Condo electrical wiring is not fed from any of the load center panels in the photo you posted. Where is the electrical panel that feeds your Condo unit located? I assume somewhere in the Condo.

Why are you wanting to fed a dedicated circuit from one of the load centers in the garage? I’m not sure what the feeder ampacity rating is for the load center panel you are planning to use, or the existing loads on the panel.

More info is needed.

Like where is the panel that feeds your Condo unit in regards to where the new dedicated audio circuit wall outlet will be? 

roccity's avatar
roccity OP
37 posts
 

@jea48 

My condo has a subpanel in the kitchen with individual breakers for the different circuits in my home. The two panels in the garage (the Square-D panels with one sitting above the other) are my main panel. If you look closely, you'll see a 100-amp tandem breaker in the top panel labeled "Condo." This feeds the subpanel in my kitchen.  The electric meters are on the exterior of the wall to which the panels are mounted.

My thinking is that the total load on my main panel remains the same as I won't be adding any usage but rather just redistributing it, and so exceeding any capacity limit is not an issue.

Let me know if this makes sense and clears things up for you.

rwwear
2,912 posts
 

Can't it be run inside the wall? Any competent electrician should be able to.

roccity's avatar
roccity OP
37 posts
 

@rwwear 

Can't it be run inside the wall? Any competent electrician should be able to

I suppose it could, but if I understand what you're asking, that would entail having to cut into the drywall every 16 inches and drill holes through the studs. Running it across the ceiling or walls is simpler and cheaper, if not more aesthetically pleasing.   

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