3 wires under a staple

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Each size staple is listed for a certain amount of wires. The box ussually has the information on it you need. For types and size wires.

That's where the inspector would get his info.
 
I don't see where it matters.

334.30 Securing and Supporting.
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4? ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting. Flat cables shall not be stapled on edge.
Sections of cable protected from physical damage by raceway shall not be required to be secured within the raceway.
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I could use a nail bent over the wires as long as it is protected from damaging the cable
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I don't see where it matters.



I could use a nail bent over the wires as long as it is protected from damaging the cable
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Are you trying to open the 110.3(B) worm can?:roll:
 
I don't see where a staple needs to be listed anyway. If it secures the cable to the wall so be it. As long as you aren't bundling. You can use cable ties or whatever you want IMO
 
Fishing Trip

Fishing Trip

Dennis Alwon said:
I don't see where a staple needs to be listed anyway. If it secures the cable to the wall so be it. As long as you aren't bundling. You can use cable ties or whatever you want IMO
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Let me say I agree but it could be argued:


(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
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Equipment. A general term, including material, fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
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If a staple is used I would follow the manufactures instructions.
 
Oh yes, it matters

Oh yes, it matters

Oh it matters. It has to be used as listed. Just like a wire connector.
I have been called on it.
 
And if a nail is used what instruction would you follow then. Hypothetically, of course, because you nor I would do this.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
And if a nail is used what instruction would you follow then. Hypothetically, of course, because you nor I would do this.
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What type of nail. Some nails have been treated with chemicals that could corrode the insulation on the wire.
You have to use the right type of nail in treated wood for example. They now use nails other then galvanized for treated wood.
 
buckofdurham said:
What type of nail. Some nails have been treated with chemicals that could corrode the insulation on the wire.
You have to use the right type of nail in treated wood for example. They now use nails other then galvanized for treated wood.
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Geez Buck you sound like you are dealing with those Durham inspectors. Is Wayne or Don giving you a hard time. :D

I don't think the nail is an issue with reacting to the nm but I am in a contrary mood. :D
 
Them Durham guys don't miss very much.

Kenan over in Hillsborough use to look at every staple.
I think he has moved to Alamance now.
 
buckofdurham said:
Them Durham guys don't miss very much.

Kenan over in Hillsborough use to look at every staple.
I think he has moved to Alamance now.
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No Keenan is still in Orange county. Saw him the other night at out NCAEC meeting. He is a member along with the Carrboro inspectors.
 
buckofdurham said:
Really

Oh and congratulations, I heard you we're elected president of the orange county EA.
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Yeah thanks, I was the only idiot crazy enough to want the job. So far so good-- it's a brand new chapter.
 
2 wires is enough

2 wires is enough

Staples are taking very lightly in the trade. AHJ most of the time if they are good will tell you anything after 2 wires need a 3m romex stacker. That said most romex staples are metal. Metal pressed up against sheathing too tight causes tear. Tear causes conductor insulation damage. Conductor insulation damage causes an arc. An arc causes a fire. More fires cause more sensitive devices to be enforced like AFCI breakers that alot complain about. Just keep the wires from getting caught in the sheetrock. No need to slam or sufficate them. 2 wires is enough. Too many electricians complaining and crying about the afci keeps tripping. I tell them all the time :)-? Loosen your staples behind the wall first then come talk to me.
 
I was in a code class last year with two inspectors and they both told me they would fail an inspection for more than two wires under a staple.I've got 2 bags of GB staples sitting on my desk right now. They are plastic straps. I prefer them as I have never thought it was a good idea to hammer metal into wires. The bags I have are both 1/2 inch however one is white and the other is yellow. Other than the color they are exactly alike. The white ones say color coded to cable guage but there is no indication on the package as to what that guage is. The yellow ones say color coded to cable guage and are labled 1/2 inch 12/2 Plastic cable straps. On niether package does it say how many wires you can put underneath them. They are UL listed and perhaps I could find that information on a UL sight. I'm not sure what the argument is against more than 2 wires under a staple. Like Dennis said you could get a lot of wires under an unlisted nail. Perhaps the inspectors have decided no more than 2. The picture on the package shows only 1 wire. I try not to argue with inspectors over little s...t so I only put 2 under a staple. I have however put white colored 14/2 under the yellow staples and yellow colored 12/2 under the white staples and it is possible that this is a technical violation.Maybe just an aesthetic one.
 
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Thiel brand has how many and what type written on the box.

No offense but when ever I see those plastic staples GB staples.
I think a home owner has been doing work in their.
90% of full time reisdential electricians use the metal staples.
 
I absolutely demolish any such listing on a rough-in. OK, "demolish" is an exageration, but I will put what I feel to be safe and secure under a staple. It does bug my conscience just a tad, but it is one of those that I have never been called on, so....It's sort of like stapling/securing every 4 1/2', even on a rafter, it may not be "stapled" but it is safe and secure. That being said, it I agree that it is not a NEC issue, but a listing issue, which makes it a NEC issue. :smile:
 
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