#12 NM through wood holes

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pa electrician

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Gentlemen,
How many #12 romex cables are you allowed to run through a single hole?
Either through a joist or a wood stud.
What if the hole is 1 inch round?
What if it's 2 inches round?

Is there a rule about how many romex cables can be in a hole reguardless?

Thanks guys

[ November 02, 2005, 07:07 AM: Message edited by: pa electrician ]
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

Not really, but check with your local building department. They may have resistrictions in place. Just ensure the cables are not exposed to strain or damage and you should be okay. Its really a judgement call.
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

334.80
Where more than two NM cables containing two or more current-carrying conductors are bundled together and pass through wood framing that is to be fire- or draft-stopped using thermal insulation or sealing foam, the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance with Table 310.15(B)(2)(a).
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:)
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

It was my understanding that bundling was considered when 24" or more of 20 current carrying conductors run together. Simply passing through a framing member would not qualify as bundling IMO. Is this a new change in 2005 NEC. Currently using 2002.
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

I've never encountered a rule on this. I usually just figure there are too many if I have to put much effort into cramming them in. This usually translates to 2-3 12/2 cables in a 3/4" hole, and 5-6 in a 1" hole. I've never been tagged for having too many.
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

102 after 9 current carrying conductors ran for 24 ins or more together is bundlimg with NM.I think you have wiring methods mixed up.
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

Originally posted by bphgravity
That section doesn't restrict how many cables can be run through one hole.
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The original post asked

Originally posted by pa electrician
Is there a rule about how many romex cables can be in a hole reguardless?
Click to expand...
I answered
Originally posted by jwelectric
334.80
Where more than two NM cables containing two or more current-carrying conductors are bundled together and pass through wood framing that is to be fire- or draft-stopped using thermal insulation or sealing foam, the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance with Table 310.15(B)(2)(a).
Click to expand...
The answer that I gave was directed to one of his questions to wit; ?Is there a rule about how many NM cables can be in one hole regardless?
The answer to that question is Yes where fire or draft stop is used.


:)
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

Mike that rule is in regards to allowable ampacities when you have a certain number through a hole not how many you can put through that hole. :cool:
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

allenwayne - that is not the first time I have been accused of being mixed up. Bundling has been a topic of discussion with some contractors as what amount of spacing is required to eliminate this concern. If all the NM's are running across the ceiling joist without being zip-tied every 12" is there enough spacing to not adjust. If all the home runs go into one joist space and are loosely laying on each other, is this good enough. Thats why I like this forum, I can be wrong (mistaken) and still learn something.
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
Mike that rule is in regards to allowable ampacities when you have a certain number through a hole not how many you can put through that hole. :cool:
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How many can you put through the hole before derating?

The original question was
Is there a rule about how many romex cables can be in a hole reguardless?
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Do you know of any other rule that would apply to the number of conductors through a hole?
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

Originally posted by inspector 102:
. . . I can be wrong (mistaken) and still learn something.
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If I'm not mistaken, that's a prerequisite to learning! ;)
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

What about AFCI protection? :p

[ November 02, 2005, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
Re: #12 NM through wood holes

okay bob, i bite; what has wet got to do with rules for wires in a hole? ;)

Not only can I learn something on this site when I am wrong, I learn stuff even when I'm right.

paul :cool:
 
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