Guard Strips and Running Boards

[czars]

We have an electrical inspector here that seems to be making up his own rules and definitions about attic guard strips and running boards, what they should look like and how they should be installed. Is there an accepted standard for these things and how they should be installed. Pictures would be nice to show the inspector.

 

[resistance]

If you have to show the inspector pictures, then he or she should retire. I would ask him or her to present you with a local or national code. Also reference: 398.23; 334.15; 398.15; and 320.15

 

[suemarkp]

This is one of those areas in the code where the inspector has a lot of power. He gets to decide what is suitable protection from physical damage unless the code says something is explicitly sufficient (e.g. using an specific type of conduit sleeve).

If this is NM cable, you get routed to 320.23 for attics. But there isn't a lot of specifics for guard boards or running boards.

 

[resistance]

I guess I can agree with that, yet In ways mentioned by code, it does give some specifics. Lets use 320.23 as an example: Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible.


We normally follow the following rule and are good to go (In specific attic space): protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
Protection from physical damage is a toss up on some installs, but in most cases it's common sense. Yet, as Suemark said, the AHJ can rule based on his or her elucidation.