300.4. Protection against physical damage.

tortuga said:
Ran across this the other day, sorry its not a good photo, its the back of a two gang deep box someone notched in a metal plate behind it. It was not on every box but in just one corner the carpenter would later be building shelves and shooting brad nails; Probably put in by someone that that shot nails into a box previously.
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Yes, seen that also, but usually gets taken off by sheet rocking crews, or the planers straightening studs. That is a lot of work to do it looks like. Looks like they tried to notch the wood framing member then inset that plate. Great attempt to meet the code for protection. I went to Simpson to see if they had any kind of product or protection device, and they did not in their Catalog, even called them, usually Simpson Strong Tie has something, but they did not... I also checked other companies, and found one out of Oregon that does manufacture a protection device for this.
 
Solution looking for a problem. Every year or so someone comes on here and starts touting this “armor the wall on the side of the stud” thing.

Fact is, that’s not how it’s been done for 100 years of electrifying buildings, no tradesmen do it that way, no inspectors call it like that. In this area, common sense and tradition rule.

As far as the code, it’s a neat document, but God Almighty didn’t send Moses down from Mount Sinai with the NEC under his arms. The writers of the dang thing don’t even think it’s that great, because they feel it necessary to rewrite it every three years. Guess they never do get it right.

At any given moment I’m sure I’m in violation of any number of rules and regulations, from DOT, CARB, zoning, Building and Electrical Codes, wildlife rules, grading rules, tax laws, employment regulations, he’ll I’m probably violating rules from some agency I don’t even know exists. And that’s before I get started on my day. 🙄😳

So no, I and many others don’t lose a ton of sleep over esoterica. We get the job done and done well, get paid, and move on.

But good luck with your nail plate company. 👍 If Eaton and Square D can get their products mandated, maybe you can too.
 
former inspector said:
Public input No. 1055-NFPA 70-2020 section 300.4 (D) : Great reading and code context. "Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input". It appears that the submitter, Norman Feck, State of Colorado (committee NEC-P03), Submittal date May 13 2020. Tried to get an added exception, "EXEPTION NO 4, Due to the depth and the rear entry of typical plastic junction boxes for devices, NM cabling is forced to be well within 1 1/4" of wood or steel framing members. I've seen nail plates at every junction box on 2"x4" framing where cabling enters the box. Previous inspectors might have called it this way. Two solutions are either to allow it and document it in the NEC, or have manufacturers shroud 1/16" steel around plastic box entries. Otherwise, mandated nail plates at every junction box entry within 1 1/4" is a justified call" COMMITTEE STATEMENT RESOLUTION : "The Public Input did not include technical justification that requires the removal/modification of this text. Cables installed less than 1 1/4" from the nearest edge require protection". This is the exact wording and can be looked up. It appears that this was trying to get addressed, but NFPA, said protect. We Protect and hope others are as well, where required by the codes. Thanks all.
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Thats a good find, thank you and a good example of Charlies Rules.
 
Seven-Delta-FortyOne said:
Solution looking for a problem. Every year or so someone comes on here and starts touting this “armor the wall on the side of the stud” thing.

Fact is, that’s not how it’s been done for 100 years of electrifying buildings, no tradesmen do it that way, no inspectors call it like that. In this area, common sense and tradition rule.

As far as the code, it’s a neat document, but God Almighty didn’t send Moses down from Mount Sinai with the NEC under his arms. The writers of the dang thing don’t even think it’s that great, because they feel it necessary to rewrite it every three years. Guess they never do get it right.

At any given moment I’m sure I’m in violation of any number of rules and regulations, from DOT, CARB, zoning, Building and Electrical Codes, wildlife rules, grading rules, tax laws, employment regulations, he’ll I’m probably violating rules from some agency I don’t even know exists. And that’s before I get started on my day. 🙄😳

So no, I and many others don’t lose a ton of sleep over esoterica. We get the job done and done well, get paid, and move on.

But good luck with your nail plate company. 👍 If Eaton and Square D can get their products mandated, maybe you can too.
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esoterica, Philosophy is not a bad thing I would guess...
 
tortuga said:
Thats a good find, thank you and a good example of Charlies Rules.
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Thank you and totally agree regarding "Charlies Rules" well taken..... and well stated. That is a great "rule" and makes me think... Continuing to learn and understand the Codes is something I enjoy and practice even since I left working for a city. I keep up on code's and still in contact with many B.O's and inspectors throughout this state. Many things can get confusing, and many may not agree but we all need to be consistent. Inspecting for electrical contractors on commercial, industrial and residential was a great experience and met wonderful folks and great companies. They were always respectful and knowledgeable. It was a great career. Continuing education and CALBO training was essential and was instrumental on great training... Again thank you for your input....
tortuga said:
Thats a good find, thank you and a good example of Charlies Rules.
Click to expand...
 
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