ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 300-4-d

300-4-d basically tells me to maintain that 1 1/4" from a framing member's edge. Well this gets fairly hard to do when interior walls are 2"x4", or really 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" , particularly in the area of wire entry into the switch box, which , volume needed is usually the deeper variety.

Any quick fixes out there?

Sparky,

1 1/4 from each edge on a 2 x 4 gives you 1 inch to play with down the Middle. You are right about where it enters the box being close to the edge. Some boxes may have a center ko on top that would help maintain the clearances from edge(s) of framing members. I have never heard of this being an issue though, has anyone else?

Bill

guys when in doubt i always put a plate on the board to protect from nails. better safe than sorry. a nail or screw should not be install around edge of box to penetrate the
wire. but that is a good point never thought about it can't idiot proof every thing

Sam,

I think Sparky is talking about the deep variety of boxes which would have the cable entry just about up against the back of the wall (w/2x4) and subject to penetration from the other side of the wall where the box can't be seen.

I've wondered about that too, but I guess it is not an issue. I haver never heard anyone else discuss it.

Bill

Sam, i use a lot of nail plates also, it's cheap insurance.
I had recently roughed out a place, all 2X4's and started doing just that as a final touch.
I use the deeper variety of boxes for fill, so many are almost as deep as the 2x4.
So looking around, this would mean every receptacle and switch , which is a lot of nail plates.
One would think it's a non-issue, in that the device box is viewable from one wall side for those who renovate, hang pictures, etc.
Yet it is still a code i'd like to address in an economical manner.
So to the BB"s i go, and ask...

Back when he was around, Bruce Lee was asked what style he was, his reply was " I am all styles and none" .
He had studied all, and took the best of what he found.

So, in that same vien, i ask...

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