ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues NM-B in Crawl Spaces

Does the NEC allow Romex to be run across the bottoms of floor joists in crawl spaces?

This is something I see done all the time, and I thought it was legit because of the accessibility of these places, and I see it pass on inspected new construction. But I can't find any article allowing it or exempting crawlspaces from 300.4.

Maybe everyone (rightfully) assumes that no inspector in their right mind is going into that crawl space to enforce this...?

-John

[This message has been edited by BigJohn (edited 08-12-2005).]

I suspect they will cite;
334.15 Exposed Work.
In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), the cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).
(A) To Follow Surface. The cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards.

... if anyone is willing to crawl in there for a peek.

It's not allowed where I'm at, unless # 6 guage or larger cable. I allways run along the face of the joists and drill thru cross blocking. Usually there is a beam holding up them joist and I staple to the face of that for perpendicular to the joist runs.