NM and Protection

[mphillipps]

What is the actual NEC article that state NM must be protected (covered) under 8 ft?

 

[Cavie]

What is the actual NEC article that state NM must be protected (covered) under 8 ft?

NM can.t be buried.

 

[augie47]

I don't think you will find any such NEC rule.
In some cases (Type III, IV and V construction) , NM must be covered at any height (334.10) and NM, where allowed to be exposed, must be protected from physical damage (334.15). This section leaves itself open to various enforcement.
300.5 referencing underground cables being protected to a height of 8 ft is often used by AHJs in enforcing 334.15.

 

[iwire]

What is the actual NEC article that state NM must be protected (covered) under 8 ft?

It does not exist in the NEC, I do know some areas consider exposed NM below 8' subject to physical damage.

334.15

(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be
protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid
metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic
tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or other approved
means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be
enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit,
electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or
other approved means extending at least 150 mm (6 in.)
above the floor.

Type NMC cable installed in shallow chases or grooves
in masonry, concrete, or adobe, shall be protected in accordance
with the requirements in 300.4(E) and covered with
plaster, adobe, or similar finish.

 

[volt101]

You thinking of Attics???? 7 feet???? 334.23 -> 320.23

 

[mphillipps]

It does not exist in the NEC, I do know some areas consider exposed NM below 8' subject to physical damage.

I was referring to protected with a substrate such as sheet rock. I did look in the NEC (334, 300.4 & 334) but was unable to find anything.

It seems to me this could be considered an omission in the code.

 

[iwire]

I was referring to protected with a substrate such as sheet rock. I did look in the NEC (334, 300.4 & 334) but was unable to find anything.

It seems to me this could be considered an omission in the code.

It is not an omission.

The NEC allows exposed NM below 8' if it is not subject to physical damage.