334.15 (b)

[A/A Fuel GTX]

The words in this article, regarding the protection of NM/SE cable, state that there must be protection of the cable when passing through a floor. Does this mean that if I run some SE-R up from a crawl space to a 1st floor load center that I must protect the cable where it passes through the bottom plate of a wall section or does this mean where the cable is literally going through the floor outside of a wall section?

 

[guesseral]

334.15 Exposed Work! That would be outside of the wall, comming through the plate into a wall would be conceiled work. Of coures you may require the steel plate if it is less that 1-1/4 in. from the edge.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

I should have been more specific. This instance is referring to a wall only sheetrocked on one side therefore one side is exposed.

 

[iwire]

This instance is referring to a wall only sheetrocked on one side therefore one side is exposed.

Than IMO it is exposed and needs protection.

Close in that bay to a reasonable height and now it is not 'exposed'.

 

[infinity]

I like Bob's idea of enclosing to a reasonable height or it's considered exposed. Now what is reasonable?

 

[iwire]

Now what is reasonable?

You like how I avoided giving a height?

The NEC requirement only asks for 6" above the floor with raceway protection.

It seems a 2" x 8" on its edge would do the trick, but I might go 48" to make sure it is not questioned.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

OK, what about this scenario......a homerun going from a first floor branch circuit in a finished wall through the bottom plate into an unfinished area in the basement? Do we need to protect the cable as it passes through the floor from the basement to the first floor?

 

[iwire]

OK, what about this scenario......a homerun going from a first floor branch circuit in a finished wall through the bottom plate into an unfinished area in the basement? Do we need to protect the cable as it passes through the floor from the basement to the first floor?

IMO no.

IMO it appears the NEC is concerned with the cable rising up from a floor penetration not a cable dropping out of a 'ceiling' penetration.

 

[steved]

When protection from physical damage is needed seems to depend on the judgement of the AHJ, unless a local rule has been adopted that is more specific than the NEC.

Here in Oregon, a local amendment to the NEC requires that exposed nonmetallic cable be protected if it is run horizontally, or enters the top or bottom of a panelboard, less than 8 feet above the floor. The RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Asociation) says that NM cable run within 2 inches of the top of a motorhome cargo bay is not subject to damage.

 

[infinity]

OK, what about this scenario......a homerun going from a first floor branch circuit in a finished wall through the bottom plate into an unfinished area in the basement? Do we need to protect the cable as it passes through the floor from the basement to the first floor?

I say no also. The protection for the cable emerging above the floor where it may be subject to damage. This is why the 6" is required above the floor not below it.

334.15 Exposed Work.
In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).
(A) To Follow Surface. Cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards.
(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC rigid nonmetallic conduit, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC rigid nonmetallic conduit, or other approved means extending at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the floor.

 

[CEU]

See this post (NEC) (Romex in conduit) it might be helpful.

 

[sparkyjoe3]

334.15

334.15

What about this pvc in the concrete slab going to the knee wall in the kitchen is that considered passing through a floor inspector says yes?

 

[infinity]

What about this pvc in the concrete slab going to the knee wall in the kitchen is that considered passing through a floor inspector says yes?

Are you talking about PVC conduit installed within the concrete slab and stubbing up into a wall space?

 

[sparkyjoe3]

334.15 b

334.15 b

yes with a 12-2 romex in it. AHJ says it has to stick up 6 inches aff but does not enforce it on a 2 story home while going from the first floor to the second floor.

 

[infinity]

If it's within the wall space the 6" rule does not apply. However, the use of NM cable in a wet location is a violation. PVC installed in a concrete slab is considered a wet location.