Worth it for electrical contractors who need to add outlets, switches, or fixtures without opening walls. The NMW1 handles up to 10 x #14 THHN wires or 7 x #12 THHN wires in its 1-5/16” x 7/16” channel. The snap-together base and cover design works reliably, and the rigid PVC construction handles everything from power circuits to coaxial cables. At 4.0 to 4.7 stars across retailers, it delivers what Wiremold promises.
Skip it if you only need to hide a single TV cord. This raceway shines in retrofits, additions, and anywhere tearing into plaster costs money.
Wire Capacity That Actually Matters
The capacity specs tell the real story. Testing shows up to 10 x #14 THHN wires, up to 7 x #12 THHN wires, or up to 5 x #10 THHN wires. That’s enough for a 20-amp circuit with neutrals and grounds, plus room to spare. The channel also handles 2 x RG-59/U coaxial cables when you’re running cable TV or security camera feeds.
12/2 with ground NM cable fits, but it’s a tight fit. Don’t expect to snap the cover on easily with Romex stuffed inside. The channel works better with individual THHN conductors that lay flat.
| Wire Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| #14 THHN | Up to 10 wires |
| #12 THHN | Up to 7 wires |
| #10 THHN | Up to 5 wires |
| RG-59/U Coax | 2 cables |
| 12/2 w/ground NM | Tight fit |
The 1-5/16 inches (1.31 in) width and 7/16 inches (0.438 in) height create a low-profile channel that doesn’t scream “couldn’t afford to open the wall.” Suitable for low-voltage and line-voltage (120V) circuits, so power and data can run in the same raceway system.
Installation Without the Headaches
The Sure-Snap 2-piece construction uses a snap-together base and cover. No adhesive backing here — you mount the channel base to the wall using screws and anchors. That’s actually better than stick-on channels that fall off when the adhesive ages or the temperature swings.
Mount the base first, lay your wires into it, use wire holder clips from accessory kits if needed to keep everything organized, then snap the cover piece onto the base until it locks securely. Cut to custom lengths as required before mounting. A fine-tooth saw or utility knife handles the cutting.
The positive locking (child-resistant) system keeps curious fingers out while still allowing access when you need it. The cover won’t pop off from normal contact, but you can pry it open with a screwdriver for modifications.
Accessory System Makes Complete Runs Possible
Compatible fitting models include NMW6 (Flat Elbow), NMW7 (Inside Elbow), NMW8 (Outside Elbow), NMW11 (T-fitting), NMW35 (1-3/4 in. Device Box), NMW2-D (Duplex Receptacle Box Kit), and NMW2-S (Toggle Switch Box Kit). The NMW910 accessory kit includes base, cover, and mounting hardware.
This compatibility matters. You can turn corners, branch circuits, and terminate at actual electrical boxes without leaving the raceway system. The device boxes mount right to the wall and accept standard receptacles and switches. No jerry-rigged transitions between raceway and electrical boxes.
The rigid PVC material is non-corrosive and non-conductive. It does not require grounding, unlike metal raceways. The paintable finish is compatible with latex-based paint, so you can match existing wall colors instead of living with contractor white.
Who Should Buy This
Contractors praise it for being easy to install, blending well when painted, providing a clean appearance, and effectively hiding wires. The 4.0 to 4.7 star ratings across multiple retailers back up those claims.
Some kits lack adhesive backing, which requires screw mounting, and the product can be perceived as expensive for plastic components. Fair complaints, but screws beat adhesive in Montana’s temperature swings, and the extensive fitting system justifies the price over basic cord covers.
UL Listed for indoor use only. The 1-year limited warranty runs from the date of installation or 2 years from purchase, whichever comes first, and applies to properly installed products.
Perfect for:
- Retrofitting older homes without destroying plaster
- Workshop or garage wiring runs
- Adding new outlets, switches, or light fixtures without opening walls
- Concealing power, data, TV, HDMI, and speaker cables
The NMW1 earns its place through genuine capacity and compatibility advantages. The wire capacity specs alone justify consideration for any multi-circuit surface wiring job. Add the complete fitting system and low-profile design — you’ve got a professional raceway that beats fishing wires through walls every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Romex (NM cable) run through Wiremold NMW1?
12/2 with ground NM cable fits, but it’s a tight fit. The channel works better with individual THHN wires that lay flat. The channel handles up to 10 x #14 THHN wires or 7 x #12 THHN wires, giving you more capacity with individual conductors than with jacketed cable.
Does this raceway require grounding like metal versions?
No, it does not require grounding. The rigid PVC material is non-conductive, eliminating the grounding requirement that comes with metal raceways.
How should Wiremold NMW1 be cut to length?
Cut with a fine-tooth saw or utility knife. Cut to custom lengths as required before mounting. The PVC material cuts cleanly without special tools.
Can this raceway be painted to match walls?
Yes, the paintable finish is compatible with latex-based paint. Users report it blends well when painted.
What comes with a 5-foot section purchase?
One 5-foot length of Wiremold NMW1 white PVC channel, including both base and cover. Mounting screws, fittings, and device boxes are sold separately.
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