failed inspection: wires within 6 ' of attic access

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Stevenfyeager

Senior Member
Location
United States, Indiana
Occupation
electrical contractor
Elec. Inspector said I have to have attic wires within 6 feet of attic access to be supported by a "furring strip." He quoted a fire code to the customer. That took some time for me to do. It will be easier from now on for me to just stay 6 feet away. First I've ever had to deal with this.
 
For NM rules, you have to look in the rules for AC cable.

320.23 In Accessible Attics. Type AC cables in accessible attics
or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in 320.23(A) and
(B).
(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run
across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of the floor
or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, the cable
shall be protected by 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 1.8 m (6 ft) of
the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
 
Supported? I thought the key word is protected? In which case you cant do with strips...should be notch the furr strips and cover with plywood...
 
Supported? I thought the key word is protected? In which case you cant do with strips...should be notch the furr strips and cover with plywood...
Correct, physical protection is the key here, unfortunately how much protection is necessary is kind of up to AHJ discretion and can vary from place to place.
 
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