Help!

[electricalstuff]

Trying to run NM cable in an accessible attic, 334.23 referenced me to article 320.23 which is about armored cables. Does that mean i have to run armored cables in the attic instead of NM cable? There's already NM cables running across the rafters in the attic installed by the previous owner. if running NM is still okay, would it be permissible to cut notches in the rafters and slide the NM cable in and use a steel plate to protect it instead of drilling holes in the rafters and having to rewire everything?

 

[ptonsparky]

Notching rafters is a good way to ruin them. NEC may allow it, but it is generally a poor practice mechanically.

 

[GoldDigger]

Notches in the rafters weaken their beam strength in a way that holes in the center do not.
The same limitation does not apply to vertical members (studs) that only need to sustain compression and not bending loads.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[hbiss]

Two words- running boards.

-Hal

 

[GoldDigger]

Two words- running boards.

-Hal

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[GerryB]

Trying to run NM cable in an accessible attic, 334.23 referenced me to article 320.23 which is about armored cables. Does that mean i have to run armored cables in the attic instead of NM cable? There's already NM cables running across the rafters in the attic installed by the previous owner. if running NM is still okay, would it be permissible to cut notches in the rafters and slide the NM cable in and use a steel plate to protect it instead of drilling holes in the rafters and having to rewire everything?

Does the present owner want the cables moved? Is it a walk up attic or high enough to finish off?
We usually interpret 320.23(A) that cables (and you can certainly use NM) can run over the rafters away from the scuttle hole, pull down ladder, etc. Still supposed to secure or staple per code.

 

[Ingenieur]

notches can be done safely
basic rules
no 2x4 can be notched
no notches in the middle 1/3 of the span
w x d ~ eg 2 x 8
the max notch depth = d/6
width = w/3
bottom notches not rectang, must angle 45 deg end

guidelines http://www.co.routt.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/61

 

[drcampbell]

Notches can be done safely ...

I'm not disputing that, but there does seem to be a minor problem communicating the details.

 

[junkhound]

Trying to run NM cable in an accessible attic, 334.23 referenced me to article 320.23 which is about armored cables. Does that mean i have to run armored cables in the attic instead of NM cable? There's already NM cables running across the rafters in the attic installed by the previous owner. if running NM is still okay, would it be permissible to cut notches in the rafters and slide the NM cable in and use a steel plate to protect it instead of drilling holes in the rafters and having to rewire everything?

If you want to notch rafters or oists, become a plumber rather than electricians, the plumber have no thought of dutting clean thru a structural member. :lol::lol:

 

[GerryB]

I'm not disputing that, but there does seem to be a minor problem communicating the details.

View attachment 19092

:lol:Love it! That's a "notch a so nice".

 

[ptonsparky]

I'm not disputing that, but there does seem to be a minor problem communicating the details.

View attachment 19092

They forgot the 45s! Hacks. Nope, changed my mind, that 2x braced the cut with additional support.

 

[kwired]

Trying to run NM cable in an accessible attic, 334.23 referenced me to article 320.23 which is about armored cables. Does that mean i have to run armored cables in the attic instead of NM cable? There's already NM cables running across the rafters in the attic installed by the previous owner. if running NM is still okay, would it be permissible to cut notches in the rafters and slide the NM cable in and use a steel plate to protect it instead of drilling holes in the rafters and having to rewire everything?

Is this attic only accessed via a scuttle hole or is it a usable space?

Some localities see protection from physical damage differently then others, but if in an attic that is basically never occupied most will not require running boards or other protection except maybe near an access hole.