14-2 through studs

[Joe Rocker]

Another question, I used a 3/4 inch bit and I am using 14-2 wire. When running the wire through the studs, I usually run two sets of cable through the hole but can I run 3 or do you think that there would not be sufficient room.

Thank you in advance,
Joe

 

[K8MHZ]

Another question, I used a 3/4 inch bit and I am using 14-2 wire. When running the wire through the studs, I usually run two sets of cable through the hole but can I run 3 or do you think that there would not be sufficient room.

Thank you in advance,
Joe

No problem. You should be able to get a couple 12's through that size hole quite easily.

Here is a tip, especially when using small holes. Make sure the holes are lined up as perfectly as possible. If they zig zag even a relatively small amount it makes pulling the cable more difficult. I use a laser for the line and make each hole is the same distance from the edge of the studs.

 

[gndrod]

Another question, I used a 3/4 inch bit and I am using 14-2 wire. When running the wire through the studs, I usually run two sets of cable through the hole but can I run 3 or do you think that there would not be sufficient room.

Thank you in advance,
Joe

That works, as long as the AHJ accepts hole fill quantity from outer sheath potential damage concern of rope burns during pulling. With SouthWire's Simpull sheath, tight hole fill seems less of a problem than old technology.

Drilling with 7/8" bit using the knee to guide the Hawg level along studs works well for alignment of (3) 14 or 12 awg cable pulls from experience. Not an NEC rule but some AHJ's still want 2 cables per hole max. From research, tests shown over 100' runs with tight cable bundling can affect high current circuits between parallel conductors using AFCI protection.

 

[inspector141]

Also, you must adjust the ampacity of NM cable when two or more cables pass through a "to be sealed" opening per 334.80 and 310.15(B) (3)(a).

 

[K8MHZ]

Also, you must adjust the ampacity of NM cable when two or more cables pass through a "to be sealed" opening per 334.80 and 310.15(B) (3)(a).

You do get to start at 90C, so there may not have to be any adjustment. (NM-B is 90 degree cable).

 

[PEDRO ESCOVILLA]

not sure where you are or what code y'all are working under, IF the 2006 IRC is in effect check out E3605.4.4, bundling more than 2 nm cables in holes where it will be draftstopped or insulated, derating applies (may depend on AHJ), here, especially at top plates where foamed in for energy code and or draftstopping it gets enforced. just a heads up

 

[sgunsel]

I think that most holes through studs are not draftstopped or insulated.

 

[infinity]

If the hole is unsealed then you can jam in as many cables as you want. Sealed holes require derating but you can get up to 9 CCC's in the sealed hole before derating will affect #14 and #12 NM cables ampacity beyond the normal 15 and 20 amps.

 

[Ponchik]

If the hole is unsealed then you can jam in as many cables as you want. Sealed holes require derating but you can get up to 9 CCC's in the sealed hole before derating will affect #14 and #12 NM cables ampacity beyond the normal 15 and 20 amps.

Agree.

 

[infinity]

If the hole is unsealed then you can jam in as many cables as you want. Sealed holes require derating but you can get up to 9 CCC's in the sealed hole before derating will affect #14 and #12 NM cables ampacity beyond the normal 15 and 20 amps.

Agree.

Yeah, this is a pretty straightforward concept but I hear very often that you can only put 1, 2 or 3 (take your pick) NM cables in any bored hole. It's not even the number of cables that matter, it's the number of CCC's that can actually make a difference in determining the final conductor ampacity.

For example, if I were running 12/3 MWBC's NM homeruns through a bored hole I could run 4 cables and still have no overall operating ampacity change from the derating even though I would have 16 conductors within the cables going through the single hole.