Fastening NM-B (Romex)

[mikep]

Is there an approved staple gun for installing romex in residential homes? Arrow makes a T75 but the staples are vague in their use. The Home Depot sells one but I tried three units and they did not work. Any suggestions are welcome.
Mike Emailmap8797@aol.com)

[ November 18, 2003, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: mikep ]

 

[tom baker]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

I've only seen the Arrow staplers advertised. They require two staples at each fastening.

[ November 18, 2003, 09:21 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

just one ..... use standard staples and a hammer

 

[big jim]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

I have one of the Home Depot ones. The only problem I've had is it occasionally misfires because the staples don't slide forward properly. As far as compliance, inspector did not have any problem with them today in a workshop built behind a residence. They are quick and easy. I tend to use a lot of staples and it speeds me up a lot

 

[lady sparks lover]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

If I can be of some help, becarefull with Romex, because it was the cable feeding my dishwasher, and because the crazy installer used Romex outside, and since it was cold the insulation cracked. Next thing you know it burned a whole in the siding...

[ November 20, 2003, 09:10 AM: Message edited by: lady sparks lover ]

 

[tom baker]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

There are insulated staples available, has anyone used them?

 

[tonyi]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

Insulated staples are about all I'll use. If its big wire and I can't find an insulated staple big enough I'll make my own by stabbing a chunk of NM sheath between the legs.

I saw one place with severe sill scorching from arc damage caused by a rusted ordinary staple that over the years slow-mo sawed through the sheath of a 12-3.

 

[iwire]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

Insulated staples are required here in MA for NM sizes smaller than three 8 awgs.

334.30. Revise 334.30 as follows [(A), (B), and (C) unchanged from the NEC]:

334.30 Securing and Supporting. Nonmetallicsheathed cable shall be secured by staples, cable ties, straps, or similar fittings so designed and installed as to not damage the cable. Where staples used for cable sizes smaller than three 8 AWG conductors, they shall be of the insulated type, or listed noninsulated staples driven by staple guns shall be permitted. Cable shall be secured in place at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4? ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) from every cabinet, box, or fitting. For other than within 300 mm (12 in.) of a cable termination at a cabinet, box, or fitting, cables passing through successive holes in adjacent framing members no more than 600 mm (24 in.) apart shall be considered to be secured.

 

[pierre]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

There is nothing wrong with staples, insulated or not. It is the installer who misapplies the staple that creates the potential hazard. Staples are not intended to be driven through the sheath

Pierre

 

[Ed MacLaren]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

Has anyone tried the "Clipster" yet? More info here- - http://www.pmmiintl.com/clipsterpro.pdf

Ed

 

[Guest]

Re: Fastening NM-B (Romex)

Their HandySaw (Tajima Cutting) looks very helpful too.