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Runs should be parallel and perpendicular to the building.

Why?

Thinking of it from only an electrical stand point you are only adding length to the circuit.

Thinking of it from the customers side you are only adding costs to the job.

99% of the time I do run parallel and perpendicular to the building most time that is the easy way to go.

That aside to make a blanket statement that all runs should be parallel and perpendicular to the building IMO is wrong.

IMO all code compliant options should be presented to the person footing the bill.

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if you were working in that ceiling, lost your balance, grabbed that run to balance yourself it would come down

First I doubt that would come down, unless you are extraordinarily heavy. [Linked Image]

Second the ability of any electrical equipment to support a falling person is hardly the measure used to install electrical equipment.

Use the right ladder and don't fall. [Linked Image]

Bob

Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts