You're right about having a whole separate thread.
300.11(B)(2) doesn't say anything about indoors or outdoors, the practice is permitted in either location if it meets the requirements of this section. Usually, the only place I see class 2 wiring properly secured is when it is tied to the flex at the outside unit, the rest of the cable is just laying on the ceiling panels, draped across trusses, conduits, pipes, etc.
Still wondering, do you think the aspects of 310.8(D) "Locations exposed to direct sunlight" apply to the low voltage control wire strapped to the exterior conduit?
