We have a UF-B (12/2) cable run in PVC conduit above ground from panel onto a wall on a side of the house up to a point (fence comes then). Then the conduit goes underground and 90-degree and emerges from the ground under the deck (upto about 2 feet above ground in a conduit).
Then the cable runs without the conduit (under the deck) to a GFCI. Then, from GFCI (goes under the deck - above ground ~2 feet) to another outlet Then (goes under the deck - above ground ~2 feet) to a switch which controls the fan. Switch is about 6 feet from the ground and about 3 feet from the deck floor).
I was thinking to (re)run the UF-B cable that runs from the switch to the fan in a PVC conduit (mainly from the optics point of view. Also, at some time this year, I am planning to run the exposed cable under the deck in a PVC conduit.)
I went to Lowe's and was looking for fittings and asked for help. The rep was quite helpful but they asked if I have a gray cable that I am planning to put in the conduit (which is what it is - UF-B). They said that it's against national electric code to run gray cable in a conduit above ground and insurance company might not approve of that in case of an issue.
Could someone please help me with the codes for UF-B cable?
I appreciate your help with this.
Thank you.