Cable in accessible attics

[Electron_Sam78]

Art 230.23(A)
"Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 7ft of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 6ft of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance."

When interpreting this, it seems to me that the terms "floor joists" and "floor" are used to indicate additional lumber that is laid across the framing in the attic ("rafters or studding") to make a walkway or floor area and that cable crossing this walkway or floor area or within 7 ft of it must be protected by a guard strip.

Also, If the attic is not accessible by a permanent ladder or stairs, the guard strips need only be applied within 6 ft from the nearest edge of the access hole even if there is also a walkway/floor area in this attic.

Am I correct in my interpretation of this article?

 

[raider1]

Yes, you seem to have a pretty accurate interpretation.

I think that you mean 320.23(A) though instead of 230.23(A)

230.23(A) is dealing with size and rating of overhead service drop conductors.

Chris

 

[Electron_Sam78]

Yes it's 320.23, Sorry! Just a bit of dislexia I guess.

 

[augie47]

attics

attics

Where is my soapbox??
In my experience and in the installations I have seen, this is perhaps one of the most ignored areas of the Code. I asked in a much earlier post how many inspectors are rigidly enforcing this, especially in light of truss systems and attics filled with plumbing & ductwork. In addition, when our State (TN) inspectors orginazation was question on this section, I was advised that they do not consider pull down stairs as permanent access and require protection for stairs the same as a scuttle-hole.
IMHO, that Code sedtion needs some updating.
(when a well know CMP member was asked about 320.23 he stated it was enforced about as much as stapling NM every 4-1/2' in attics )

 

[Electron_Sam78]

...In my experience and in the installations I have seen, this is perhaps one of the most ignored areas of the Code....when a well know CMP member was asked about 320.23 he stated it was enforced about as much as stapling NM every 4-1/2' in attics...

I'm the only one I know that puts down those guard strips and staples my cable down in the attics. I haven't seen one professional job yet where that's been done.