NM staples

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nizak

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What is the maximum number of cables that can be secured with a NM staple?

Manufacturer of the ones I use list " used to secure 2 conductor NM or UF type cables to wood".

Nothing stating the number of cables.

Any code language that specifies number of?
 
I've seen some staples (Briscon) specifically listed for several sizes and combinations but I don't recall seeing that staples are actually required to be listed.
 
Kind of a touchy subject IMO.

There are ones out there that are listed, and many AHJ's are particular you follow the instructions. Yet at same time code doesn't requrie them to be listed and you can get non listed ones with no such instructions - makes no sense to have to follow such instructions to me if not required to be listed to begin with.
 
kwired said:
Kind of a touchy subject IMO.

There are ones out there that are listed, and many AHJ's are particular you follow the instructions. Yet at same time code doesn't requrie them to be listed and you can get non listed ones with no such instructions - makes no sense to have to follow such instructions to me if not required to be listed to begin with.
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Wonder why the manufacturers spend the money to get them listed?
 
I bet I can go upstairs to the attic and get a pic of at least 6 under one staple…
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Wonder why the manufacturers spend the money to get them listed?
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IDK.

Here is the ones I primarily use, they are generally better performing than other brands I have used.

They are listed and instructions state certain cable combinations, and many inspectors here seem to like to pick on those if you don't follow the instructions. I even used the ones for stacking two 2 wire NM cables on MC cables for years, then suddenly started being told they aren't listed for that. Simply stupid IMO. The "stackers keep you from overdriving the staple and smashing the cable, unless you really try, but is ok to use an unlisted wire type staple and easily overdrive it if not really careful.:mad:
 
Knuckle Dragger said:
Three... The world may never know.;)
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The "listed ones" I posted a link to have one that says is for four 2 wire cables.

My guess is they don't make one for more than that because as a general rule you would have to apply ampacity adjustments if you had more then that in a "bundle".
 
kwired said:
IDK.

Here is the ones I primarily use, they are generally better performing than other brands I have used.

They are listed and instructions state certain cable combinations, and many inspectors here seem to like to pick on those if you don't follow the instructions. I even used the ones for stacking two 2 wire NM cables on MC cables for years, then suddenly started being told they aren't listed for that. Simply stupid IMO. The "stackers keep you from overdriving the staple and smashing the cable, unless you really try, but is ok to use an unlisted wire type staple and easily overdrive it if not really careful.:mad:
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I like the sharp points on them small nails. really easy to nail in
 
None of the manufactures of steel staples that I have every used are listed. Dottie, Cully, Viking, GB, Electroline (T&B) and others. The marking on the box is just recomendations and pretty much based on 40+ year old cable that was about twice the size of current cables do to all the fillers they used to use.
 
nizak said:
What is the maximum number of cables that can be secured with a NM staple?

Manufacturer of the ones I use list " used to secure 2 conductor NM or UF type cables to wood".

Nothing stating the number of cables.

Any code language that specifies number of?
Click to expand...

NM staples

If a brand of NM staple doesn’t specify the number of cables you can put under a staple can it be as many as 3? Example : “For securing 14/3. 14/2. and 12/2 NM cables” As opposed
forums.mikeholt.com
 
I'm sure a lot of this is up to the EI. If you use a larger staple (i.e BX staples) they are longer and can support 3 or 4 cables. If you use an SE cable staple you can also fit more. The long and short of it is, you have to secure the cables and hold them 1 1/4" off the stud (if it's a 2 x 4). If it's a 2 x 6 you can use a larger staple. AND MOST OF ALL, don't slam the staple home and pinch the wire. :cool:
 
Here in Massachusetts we are required to use insulated staples( mostly blue) and the bucket states the allowable wire type and quantity and that's one cable but most inspectors allow two. They make Reds which are longer and stronger and two cables are allowed.
 
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