ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues stapling romex

i was red tagged today for not stapling my romex correctly according to a local city inspector. he claims that in the code it spicifys that romex should be stapled stacked on top of eachother not parallel to eachother. was he just having a bad day or is there really such a rule...

I think he was smokin' somethin'...

I'd be willing to bet that most AHJ's consider stacking NM Cable (more than one in a staple) to be more of a no-no than running them "parallel". The new "stackers" make stacking legal, since the devices are listed for such use, but I know of no staple that is listed for more than one cable. Personally, I use Plastic Cable Straps, instead of metal staples.

Correct me if I'm wrong, guys... I'm going on "memory" here... (to lazy tonight to go to the truck and get the book again).

Which brings up a question... just when does the "bundling of cables" and derating come into play with stacked NM, and what distance is "far enough" for "paralleled" (NO, not electrically!) cables?

I think sparky tried to get this question going once, it raises it's ugly head again!

smokey,

He's got you.

See 336-18 "... Flat cables shall not be stapled on edge."

Bill

Oh.."on edge"... I missed that somehow... I gotta get some sleep!

I wasn't thinking of that at all.. I thought he meant "paralleled" as in next to each other, individually stapled, flat to the surface, etc.

The Lewisburg Building Inspector doesn't like doubled up NM flat or no... but that's another story...



[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 05-30-2001).]

'66,

You may have a point. Only smokey can tell us what He meant. Although I don't know what code section they could be referring to unless one of the cables was too close to the edge.


Bill

Sparky66,
Stacking or bundling in excess of 24" requires derating per 310-15(b)(2)(a). I repeatedly see new residential construction home runs stacked 8-10 thick on the top sill (sole?) plate in basements. Derated ampacities are probably less than 50% in most cases. I dont know how these pass.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 05-31-2001).]

look on the box of staples as to 'rating' the #100's and up will all accomodate different amounts of rx.

also, as much as we could get all coded out on this, has anyone ever really been witness to a problem with rx bundeled?

Smokey,

I was told by Washington state inspectors that "on edge" means the narrow side of the romex is laying against the stud and stapled. The flat side is supposed to lay against the stud (so as not to damage the cable when stapled). I think you're right and the city inspector is misinterpreting Article 336-18-Supports. I would be inlcined to discuss this issue with him. Also, our inspectors will red tag piggy-backing romex in a heartbeat.

I had a county inspector tell me that he wanted at least a cable's width between the 2 stapled cables (50% open area). I don't know if he had any real basis for this, but I've used it as a basic rule of thumb, and not been burned on it since. Anybody else ever heard this?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by smokey:
i was red tagged today for not stapling my romex correctly according to a local city inspector. he claims that in the code it spicifys that romex should be stapled stacked on top of eachother not parallel to eachother. was he just having a bad day or is there really such a rule...[/QUOT]


I can't say that he was pulling your leg, but I can say this: You are aloud to staple two (I would not go three) flat romex wires on top or next to each other-as long as the romex is 1 1/4 inch from the edge of the stud. If it's not possible to staple that far from the edge, then you should protect the wire (at the staple) with a 1/16th inch nail plate. Also. We are in a debate on which romex (round or flat) should be on top. I was told that the flat should be on bottom, but, someone else says that it doesn't matter????.... Oh well, if you have the answer (washington State) then write the forum. I hope I answered your question.