NM protection/steel studs - ECN Electrical Forums

Has anyone encountered an inspector that requires metal protection plates to be added to steel studs when using NM. The inspector says that the steel studs w/grommets can be less than 1 1/4" from edge because they can move, therefor the NM would be in danger of penetration from the drywall screws. For the record I am an inspector and this is happening to one of the Township supervisors that also happens to be a commercial builder. I think this is crazy but its happening outside of my jurisdiction. Thanks!

No I have never heard of this, unless the sheetrockers like to waste money they will not use screws that have an extra 1 1/4" of length. Around here for 5/8" sheetrock the rockers use 1 1/4" screws so only a 5/8" sticks thru the stud.

[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 03-11-2003).]

Is the Pennsylvania Electrical Inspector using this NEC rule to support his enforcement of the requirements?

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300.4(B)

(2) Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable and Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing.

Where nails or screws are likely to penetrate nonmetallic-sheathed cable or electrical nonmetallic tubing, a steel sleeve, steel plate, or steel clip not less than 1.6 mm ( in.) in thickness shall be used to protect the cable or tubing.

Likely?? .... this is vague and undefined and probably violates the NEC Style Manual

[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 03-11-2003).]

Joe,

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Likely?? .... this is vague and undefined and probably violates the NEC Style Manual

I guess we have a lot of work to do. The word "likely" shows up 79 times in the 2002 code. I do agree that it is very vague and should be removed from the code.
Don

Don:

Here's a list from the "NEW 2003 NEC Style Manual" and the word "Likely" is included!

A comment to a proposal with these terms could be added when the ROP becomes available.

I am in Mesa, Arizona now and just about to start a class, and wondered if anyone who has the 2002 NEC electronic copy could do a search and show how many places these "Vague and Undefined Terms" show up ...

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Table 3.2.1 Possibly Unenforceable and Vague Terms

Acceptable
Adequate
Adjacent
Appreciable
Appropriate
Approximate(ly)
Available
Avoid(ed)
Can
Care
Careful(ly)
Consider(ed)(ation)
Could
Desirable
Easy(ily)
Equivalent(ly)
Familiar
Feasible
Few
Frequent(ly)
Firmly
Generally
Good
Lightly
Likely
Legible(y)
Many
May
Maybe
Might
Most(ly)
Near(ly)
Neat(ly)
Normal(ly)
Note
Periodic(ally)
Practical(ly)
Practices
Prefer(red)
Proper(ly)
Ready(ily)
Reasonable(y)
Safe(ly)(ty)
Satisfactory
Secure(ly)
Several
Significant
Similar
Substantial(ly)
Sufficient(ly)
Suitable
Usual(ly)
Workmanlike