How to Safely Install Exposed Romex Cables in your Home

Introduction

Installing exposed Romex cables in your home can provide a stylish, industrial look, but it must be done properly to ensure safety. Romex cables are electrical cables with outer plastic insulation and inner insulated wires. Exposed Romex refers to running these cables visibly along walls, ceilings or floors rather than concealed inside walls and ceilings.

While exposed Romex can look great, it does present potential safety hazards if not installed correctly. Following proper guidelines will allow you to safely install exposed Romex in your home.

Safety Considerations

There are a few key safety factors to consider when installing exposed Romex cables:

Electrical Hazards

Live wires - Romex cables carry electricity so exposed runs present a shock hazard. Always turn off power at the breaker before working with Romex cables. Verify power is off with a voltage tester.
Damage - Exposed cables can be damaged over time, exposing live wires. Use metal conduit or wire molding to protect cables.
Overheating - Too much current through an undersized cable can cause overheating. Size your cables appropriately for the expected electrical load.

Physical Hazards

Trip hazard - Loose cables on the floor can cause tripping. Use cable mounts to securely fasten.
Height - Cables running across ceilings or high walls should be well out of reach. Minimum height is typically 8 feet.
Visibility - Mark exposed runs with warning labels so people are aware of the hazard. Use bright orange cables or conduit.

Cable Selection

Choose the right type of Romex cable for your needs:

14/2 cable - For 15 amp branch circuits like lights and outlets. Insulated black (hot), white (neutral), ground wire.
12/2 cable - For 20 amp small appliance circuits like kitchen outlets.
10/2 cable - For 30 amp large appliance circuits like electric dryers.

Match the cable ampacity to your circuit breaker amp rating. Use quality copper wiring. Aluminum wiring requires special precautions.

Mounting Options

Properly mount and secure exposed Romex cables:

Cable Mounts

Plastic mounts - Affix cables at regular intervals along walls or ceilings.
Metal conduit - Enclose cable inside painted EMT or flexible conduit for protection.

Wire Molding

Plastic molding - Channels enclose and route cables neatly along surfaces.
Metal molding - For heavier duty wiring jobs, install metal wire molding.

Cable Installation

Follow good practices when installing exposed Romex cabling:

Safety Gear

Wear electrical gloves and eye protection when working with live electrical.
Use a fiberglass ladder - never use a metal ladder when working with electricity.

Planning

Map out cable routing in advance. Follow logical paths along walls and ceilings.
Leave ample extra cable length at endpoints for mistakes and future changes.

Cable Handling

Use cable staples or clips to temporarily fasten cables for installation. Remove once mounted.
Avoid kinks by laying out cables gently. Kinks can break wire strands.
Use cable lubricant when pulling cables through tight spaces. Avoid excessive force.

Connections

Use junction boxes to split and joint cables. Secure box covers to hide splices.
Verify ground wires are properly bonded. Grounding protects from shocks.
Label all cables at access points like switches and outlets.

Inspecting Your Work

Always thoroughly inspect exposed cables when done:

Verify all exposed runs are mounted securely at proper height.
Check for possible points of physical damage. Add protection where needed.
Examine connections to ensure wires are fully inserted and tight.
Replace any cables with torn or damaged outer insulation.
Turn power back on and test operation of all circuits.

Following basic safety practices when planning, selecting, mounting and inspecting cables will allow you to safely install exposed Romex in your home's walls, ceilings and floors. Take your time, be cautious of hazards, and your industrial-look exposed Romex project will turn out great.