The Lowes thread brought up the subject of romex staples.

I was suprised that insulated staples are required in much of the country. Here in Nebraska we are allowed to use regular staples.

The biggest problem I have seen as a result of uninsulated staples was a house that was almost fully roughed in when it was hit by lightening. Over much of the house the romex jacket was burned brown at each staple. The jacket wasn't ruptured, but there was evidence of heat build-up.

We ended up tearing it all out and starting over.

GJ

Junkie,
Do you think that the evidence of "heat build up" was caused by unisulated staples, or was it possibly some other reason?
The trouble I see with uninsulated staples is that people tend to nail them in so hard that they break the jacket, and insulation of the NM cable.

Staplogical Regards,
Doc

I think that the lightening strike caused the steel staples to heat up considerably. I don't know what effect an insulated staple would have, although my first inclination is that the problem would have been reduced. Maybe Scott or others could explain what happened.

"The trouble I see with uninsulated staples is that people tend to nail them in so hard that they break the jacket, "

This never happens to us because our staples are installed by skilled craftsmen.

"Staplogical" ?........I think that antibiotics can clear that up for you.

GJ


[This message has been edited by golf junkie (edited 03-22-2002).]

[This message has been edited by golf junkie (edited 03-22-2002).]

This never happens to us because our staples are installed by skilled craftsmen. OK, OK, OK.......I think my jacket just got broken, but thank goodness my insulation is still intact.
Staplological, Wattological, Home Depotological.....I can't explain it...ur...got shocked to much as an apprentice.

Wattological Regards,
Doc
Director of Wattology,
Electric University

FWIW,
The burned jacket was not the only problem. There were a few areas where the romex was vaporized leaving only a burn mark on the stud. In other areas the jacket was split open and the inside of the romex was burned, similar to what you find when lightening stikes U/G wiring.

Luckily, the place didn't burn down. And insurance paid for the rework....so it was no loss on our part.

GJ

After a stint in Wisconsin where metal staples are apparently forbidden, I got used to, and are rather fond of the plastic cable straps, the ones with two nails and a heavy NM strap between them...

I special order them, and with Joe Musser, we're the only EC's around here that use them. They drive easier, with less finger strikes, look neater, and at least seem safer. Are harder to "over-drive" them. No rust stains over time either.

Oh, Watt Doc, your salutations always make me chuckle...

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 03-22-2002).]

I guess that since I started out using plain staples that I'm set in my ways. As is usual on many of these materials & methods issues, it is a question of workmanship & paying attention to what you're doing.

I am thinking of buying one of those new staple guns that shoots insulated staples, for the convenience & lack of impact on my sore hands, not because they're insulated. I tried one out & I'm impressed, I was afraid to ask what it cost, maybe I'll get it as a Xmas gift.