" I want to add a surface-mounted GFCI outlet on the wall in an
unfinished basement (for a washing machine). The wiring going to
the outlet will be 12/2 NM.

I think I can figure out how to do it if I just use a metal box and
metal conduit. But, I am wondering if there is a way that I can do
it using plastic/PVC instead of metal. I am thinking of using this
type of PVC box:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4FYW1 ,

and then running the 12/2 NM wire down along the wall through
1/2-inch PVC conduit to get to the box.

If I do that, my question is, "Is there some type of fitting or
adapter that goes on the top end of the PVC conduit where the 12/2
NM enters the PVC conduit?"

If so, is that type of fitting shown anywhere in this product
brochure?:

http://www.kraloyfittings.com/downlo...loy%20ftgs.pdf

Thanks.
The pvc and pvc box is fine. If you can't run the conduit continuous
into the breaker box, terminate it in a 4" square metal box adjacent
to the panel, then from that box into the panel. The fittings you
would use are called male adaptors
Thanks.

I think I may have mistakenly described this as having the 12/2 NM
feed to the outlet running horizontally along the wall from the
breaker box to the outlet. That is not the case. The 12/2 NM feed
from the breaker box will be up in between the ceiling joists and
then will run "down" (meaning vertically down) along the wall to the
outlet. Where it runs down along the wall it will be enclosed in the
PVC conduit.

So, I am assuming that I can just have the 12/2 NM feed enter the
vertical PVC conduit above the outlet in between the ceiling joists.
And, I am trying to figure out if I need to put some type of fitting
there where the NM enters the conduit. I know that if it were metal
conduit I could put a fitting there that would clamp onto the NM and
clamp onto the metal conduit. But do I need something like that when
using PVC conduit? I don't see any similar fittings in PVC like the
ones I see for metal conduit.

OK, I got it now. Yes, you can sleeve the nm in pvc for protection,
vertically from the box to the ceiling. PVC is more bulky and ugly
than steel tubing , but it's perfectly acceptable. You need to put a
male adapter with a plastic threaded bushing on the end of the pvc
where the nm enters it, and the cable must be stapled to the joists
withing 12" of that point. as per NEC334.15C

A minor quibble - the requirement is "insulated bushing or adapter" - I
think just a PVC male adapter or coupling is required at the top. The
Romex jacket has to extend at least 1/4" into the box.

If you use a metal box and EMT, the plastic bushing is required. That
is a change in the 2008 NEC - not obvious to me what a plastic bushing
adds to just a connector.

334.15C is specifically "unfinished basements", but you should be able
to use a running board as John said. I like a metal box and EMT. If
there are studs, you could run down the side of the stud.

In addition to GFCI protection in unfinished basements you need GFCI
protection where the receptacle is within 6 ft of the edge of
"laundry, utility and wet bar sinks". Modern GFCIs should not nuisance
trip.

--
bud--

I agree, and typically use emt. It's just a cleaner looking job. In the
past, when I have used pvc as a sleeve, I would round off the edge with
a rat tail, so as not to cut the Romex, but I have had occasions where
inspectors wanted male adaptors with plastic bushings.


*I always thought a clamp was required at the end of the conduit. Maybe
I just do it out of habit.
It's probably because years ago when you did what the OP is doing, except
with BX and EMT, you had to choke it to keep the ground continuous. Since
there's no external ground involved with NM, you're just concerned with it
getting ripped out, so you have the staple requirement. In any event it
appears that clamping the cable is always acceptable, and stapling is
sometimes acceptable.


*Roy I looked it up. Article 334.15(C). A bushing and staple is permitted
for NM sleeved in conduit. Thanks for setting me straight. I think I am
ready to get a job as an electrician now :-)