Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Mar 12, 2007 07:49pm | #1

   Flex depends on the Mfg. The bend is going to be more of a sweep than a tight 90.  Also use insulated inserts on the cut ends.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   highfigh | Mar 13, 2007 01:35am | #2

   You'll know if it wants to keep curving or not. If you go too far, it'll separate.

   For unclad cable, the minimum bend radius is usually about 4x the diameter.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
3. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 13, 2007 02:19am | #3

   I certainly wouldn't bend it more than your common sense dictates.

   Generally, when you want to turn a sharp corner with BX, you run it thru a junction box.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   pzaxtl | Mar 13, 2007 05:44am | #4

   In a past life I apprenticed to a couple of electricians, one was a master electrician in D.C.  The guy was unbelievably fast and neat.  I can still hear him: "why are you pulling that wire so tight"; "how did you get that wire so snotted up?  It comes off the spool straight!"  Anyway, regardless of whether you are running Romex or BX cable, you want your turns to be gentle sweeps, not tight hairpin turns.  There are a number of reasons for this but a big one (especially in new construction) is that when the house settles, you want enough give in the wire so that it does not stretch or break.

   Also, if your are running your cable inside the wall cavity, you CANNOT use junction boxes to make 90° turns -- it is illegal to bury a junction box inside a wall or ceiling.

   That being said, you should have no problem running your cable around a typical box framed corner but you will need to drill from both sides.  I typically decide what height I will run my cable and strike chalk lines all around so that my wire runs are neat and straight.  When you pull your wire through the corners (it easiest if you use a fish tape to pull it through from the opposite side) just make sure you leave it slack inside the corner (jiggle it to make sure it is slightly loose).

   Good luck!

   Michael