UF aboveground

[allseason]

This cable is run along a now heated porch. It emerges from the house, turns the corner and re enters at the location of an electric baseboard. The owner's electrician is stating that it is a UV protected UF and is for that reason protected form physical damage. That cable looks to low to the ground to be protected from physical damage, such as a person operating an electric hedge trimmer. He sites NEC 340. I'm out of the office for couple of days and don't have a reference handy.

On another note, can NM cable be used to connect a garbage disposer?

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[Jim Katen]

Most of the UF cable that I see is rated for exposure to sunlight and all UF cable is ok for use in wet locations. The only issue here is whether or not it's "subject to physical damage." As far as I know, there's no universal definition for that. It's a judgement call.

In this case, the cable is certainly well secured and it closely follows the surface of the building. It's a little high for a weed whacker.

My personal opinion is that it's not an ideal location, but it's probably an acceptacle one.

[allseason]

Thanks Jim. What about disposer wiring? The area under a sink seems to me to be an issue, the same electrician put a "service switch" ( I have not seen this or revisited the property, that is my client's quote) at the connection for the disposer under the sink.

[Jim Katen]

Thanks Jim. What about disposer wiring? The area under a sink seems to me to be an issue, the same electrician put a "service switch" ( I have not seen this or revisited the property, that is my client's quote) at the connection for the disposer under the sink.

If it's wired with NM cable, then the cable should be inside conduit.

[Marc]

I write up NM (or UF used as NM) when connected to garbage disposers because NM is supposed to be secured. When it's connected to a disposer it's left hanging between the cabinet walls and the appliance.

Marc

[allseason]

Exactly.

[John Kogel]

As Jim said, it should be enclosed in flexible conduit. If so, the conduit is clamped to the grinder and attached at the wall, so it is providing protection and support.

[kurt]

Why not a cord and plug?

Back to the UF.....

That can't be right, can it? Rope stapled to a wall? I never see the stuff. Do folks see shit like that often?

[Jim Katen]

Why not a cord and plug?

Back to the UF.....

That can't be right, can it? Rope stapled to a wall? I never see the stuff. Do folks see shit like that often?

Cord & plug to the disposal is just fine. Better, I think.

Yes, UF & NM can just be stapled to a wall. Hard to believe, isn't it? But true. Most electricians in my area, would have installed that run in conduit. But the NEC permits it as long as it's not "subject to physical damage."

[John Dirks Jr]

If that cable came out of the ground at the edge of the wall, it would be required to be in conduit. But coming out of the wall above grade and going back into the wall above grade, nope.