How Many Holes Can Be Bored In A Load Bearing 2 X 6 Stud ?

[infinity]

I would drill 2-1" holes minimum of 2" apart in the center of the 2x6 and run 6 cables in each. If you have to install draft stop or fire caulk then 3-3/4" holes with 4 cables in each or you might be able to run 14/3's and use only two holes with 3 cables in each.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We have state amendments as well, but we also have local city/town amendments. And I might add, one or two inspectors that have their own agenda.

An inspector cannot change the rule. The town council would have to make an amendment to accept the change. Because Inspector "X" does not like more than 2 wires in a hole is probably because they are reading the rule incorrectly.

BTW, I had some EC's tell me that a particular area would not allow more than 2 wires/hole. When I asked the inspector he said who said that. A lot of false info gets thrown around as he said, she said. Some times it is just miscommunication.

 

[infinity]

An inspector cannot change the rule. The town council would have to make an amendment to accept the change. Because Inspector "X" does not like more than 2 wires in a hole is probably because they are reading the rule incorrectly.

BTW, I had some EC's tell me that a particular area would not allow more than 2 wires/hole. When I asked the inspector he said who said that. A lot of false info gets thrown around as he said, she said. Some times it is just miscommunication.

That would be my guess too!

 

[Little Bill]

An inspector cannot change the rule. The town council would have to make an amendment to accept the change. Because Inspector "X" does not like more than 2 wires in a hole is probably because they are reading the rule incorrectly.

BTW, I had some EC's tell me that a particular area would not allow more than 2 wires/hole. When I asked the inspector he said who said that. A lot of false info gets thrown around as he said, she said. Some times it is just miscommunication.

I know an inspector can't change the rules but if you have to deal with him a lot sometimes it's just better to give in if it's not a lot of trouble or cost. There is no miscommunication here, I've heard him say it.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Bundling becomes an issue when you have more than 2- cables however it does not affect the ampacity of the conductors until you have more than 9 current carrying conductors-- thus 4- 14/2 or 12/2 nm cables would be compliant.

I must be missing something. Doesn't 310.15(B)(2)(a) come into play here?

 

[infinity]

I must be missing something. Doesn't 310.15(B)(2)(a) come into play here?

Yes it does, so 4-14/2 or 4-12/2 cables would be 8 CCC's which would require a derating of 70%.

#14 = 25 amps @ 90? C * 70% = 17.5 amps so you're still good on a 15 amp OCPD.
#12 = 30 amps @ 90? C * 70% = 21 amps so you're still good on a 20 amp OCPD.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Yes it does, so 4-14/2 or 4-12/2 cables would be 8 CCC's which would require a derating of 70%.

#14 = 25 amps @ 90? C * 70% = 17.5 amps so you're still good on a 15 amp OCPD.
#12 = 30 amps @ 90? C * 70% = 21 amps so you're still good on a 20 amp OCPD.

I see. I forgot about 334.80... Thanks.