Wiring protection

[Mike Pearson]

Is there a specific NEC code addressing the need for conduit protection for 110V supply wiring for exterior landscape lighting transformers. These are usually plugged into exterior outlets. Also for the water heater circulation pumps and gas blower motor wiring in garages.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Is there a specific NEC code addressing the need for conduit protection for

110V supply wiring for exterior landscape lighting transformers. These are usually plugged into exterior outlets.

No, those are transformer/timer units are listed for use with flexible cord and plug sets, and, when installed and used within the listing and labeling information and manufacturer's installation instructions (which are part of the listing and labeling information), no protection is required for those flexible cords plugged into receptacle outlets. No different than plugging in a vacuum cleaner cord or an extension cord (except that the landscape lighting transformers/timers are plugged in and left plugged in).

The main thing is that the receptacle those are plugged into has one of those 'bubble-type covers' which are weather-resistant whether or not a cord and plug is plugged in because it is outside in a "wet location" (those old flip-type covers are not suitable for that use as those flip-type covers are no longer weather-resistant when something is plugged in - the flip cover is now open).

Also for the water heater circulation pumps

Same as above, except that there is no requirement for a weather-resistant cover for the receptacle outlet. However, consideration should be given for the 18" above the garage floor for ignition sources - typically, there is a raised platform that the water heater sets on, so the 18" height for ignition sources is typically not an issue.

and gas blower motor wiring in garages.

I'm not quite sure what you are referring to with "gas blower motor" - but ... if it is an appliance, and if it is installed within its listing and labeling, and manufacturer's installation instructions, and if those provide for cord and plug connected motors, then no protection for the cord and plug is required.