Wiremold’s NMW1 channel gives you a clean way to run wires on the surface without opening walls. At 1-5/16 inches wide by 7/16 inches tall, this rigid PVC raceway holds up to 10 #14 THHN wires or 7 #12 THHN wires in its compact profile. The product carries a 1-year limited warranty from installation or 2 years from purchase, whichever comes first.
Skip it if you’re just hiding a single TV cable behind the wall. NMW1 makes sense for multi-wire runs, adding circuits without demolition, or organizing workshop wiring where appearance matters. The white PVC finish takes latex paint, letting you match wall colors.
Wire Capacity and Installation Features
The channel handles serious wire loads: up to 10 #14 THHN wires, 7 #12 THHN wires, or 5 #10 THHN wires. That’s enough capacity for multiple circuits in a single run. You can also squeeze in 2 RG-59/U coaxial cables or a 12/2 with ground NM cable, though the NM fit is tight.
The Sure-Snap 2-piece construction uses a positive locking system that’s child-resistant. No adhesive backing means you’re drilling and screwing this to the wall — which is how it should be done anyway. Adhesive-backed raceways eventually fail when the tape gives up.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1-5/16 inches (1.31”) |
| Height | 7/16 inches (0.438”) |
| Length | 5 feet (60 inches) |
| Material | Rigid PVC (Non-metallic) |
| Color | White |
| Voltage Rating | Suitable for low-voltage and line-voltage (120V) circuits |
Installation runs straightforward: mount the base with screws and anchors, lay your wires into the channel, use wire holder clips if needed, then snap the cover on until it locks. The non-metallic construction means no grounding required — one less connection to worry about.
System Compatibility and Montana Considerations
NMW1 works with Wiremold’s full fitting lineup: NMW6 flat elbows, NMW7 inside elbows, NMW8 outside elbows, plus the NMW2-D Duplex Receptacle Box Kit and NMW35 1-3/4 inch Device Box. Plan your entire run with proper fittings rather than trying to bend the channel itself.
The non-corrosive PVC handles Montana’s humidity swings from bone-dry winters to wet springs without degrading. But here’s the catch — this channel is UL Listed for indoor use only. Don’t even think about running it in an unheated garage or enclosed porch where temperatures drop below freezing. PVC gets brittle in extreme cold.
Customer ratings run 4.0 to 4.7 stars across retailers, with installers praising the clean appearance and ease of installation. Common complaints center on the lack of adhesive backing (which forces proper screw mounting) and the plastic construction. Fair points, but you’re paying for the engineering that lets this slim profile hold 10 circuits while maintaining child-resistant safety features.
The 5-foot lengths minimize waste on typical room runs. Most Montana residential rooms fall into standard dimensions where 5-foot sections work out evenly. Compared to metal raceway, NMW1 weighs less, cuts easier, and takes paint better — though metal wins for impact resistance in high-traffic areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use NMW1 raceway in my garage?
No. NMW1 is UL Listed for indoor use only. The PVC material becomes brittle in freezing temperatures common in Montana garages. For garage applications, use metal raceway or conduit rated for temperature extremes.
Q: How many 12-gauge wires fit in the NMW1 channel?
The NMW1 channel holds up to 7 #12 THHN wires. This capacity assumes proper installation without forcing wires or overpacking the channel.
Q: Does the channel come with mounting hardware?
The basic NMW1 channel includes one 5-foot length of base and cover. You’ll need to supply your own screws and wall anchors appropriate for your wall type. For installation, you’ll need a drill, appropriate screws/anchors, and a fine-tooth saw or utility knife for cutting.
Q: Can I paint the white PVC channel?
Yes. The channel features a paintable finish compatible with latex-based paint. Clean the surface first and use a quality primer designed for PVC to ensure proper paint adhesion.
Q: What’s the difference between NMW1 and metal Wiremold raceway?
NMW1 doesn’t require grounding like metal raceway. It’s lighter and easier to cut than metal options like Wiremold’s 700-series. However, metal provides better durability for high-impact areas. Choose based on your specific installation needs and code requirements.
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