Exposed romex ran Horizonal

[olly]

Where in code does in specify where: At what height NM cable can be ran horizonal as long as its 8' high. I know anything lower needs to be protected from physical damage. Say in a unfinished garage or basement. I can remember if it is 7 or 8 ft?

 

[bwat]

Never heard of this. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist though.

Article 334 is related to NM.

334.15(B) lists "protected from physical damage where necessary", so maybe there's somewhere that states that above 7 or 8 feet it isn't "necessary".

But at face value something like that could also be in contradiction with 334.15(C). Take a look at those sections and just 334 in general.

 

[mopowr steve]

Seems like I remember at one time something about anything under 7’

 

[jaggedben]

Probably it's a common interpretation of 'where necessary' as cited above. As far as I know it is not in the NEC.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There is no specific code rule that sets a height. It is a judgement call by the inspection authority as to the cable being subject to physical damage. A number of places require additional protection for exposed NM below 7'.

 

[LarryFine]

It should be with scuttle-hole distance rules and the like.