Metal staples
- Thread starter georgem
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bill addiss
Senior Member
Re: Metal staples
They're used everyday where I am. I have heard that some areas will not allow them though.
Bill
They're used everyday where I am. I have heard that some areas will not allow them though.
Bill
wayne123
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: Metal staples
I use the plastic staples that have 2 small nails on them. I don't believe there is a code saying not to use metal ones though. If you haven't tried the plastic ones, I recommend them. They are much easier to use and I have found that they are more forgiving on romex.
I use the plastic staples that have 2 small nails on them. I don't believe there is a code saying not to use metal ones though. If you haven't tried the plastic ones, I recommend them. They are much easier to use and I have found that they are more forgiving on romex.
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Metal staples
Back when I was a fresh and green first year apprentice, I got an opportunity to perform a "hot check" with an experienced electrician on a few units on a multi-family project.
We came to one circuit that was instantly tripping the breaker when switched on. Knowing how each unit is wired, the electrican disconneted the feed in to the first outlet to see if it was down line or in the homerun. As it turned out it was in the non-accesible homerun cable. (NM)
The electrician then instructed me to go down to the work trailer and get him a two-pole 60 amp breaker. Totaly lost and confused, I did what he said. When I got back, he explained to me that the rough-in crew was notorious for hammering the romex staples in too hard on the cables.
He then proceeded to connect the circuit to the 60-amp breaker. He switched it on and POP, did it again and POP! On the third try, it held. He then connected the circuit back up to the appropriate breaker and with a slight chuckle stated, "took care of that staple".
Knowing what I know now, I get sick to my stomach everytime I think of that day. This person was responible to ensure my training, and the electrical integrity of that unit.
I wonder where that guy is now. If you are on this forum, I hope you reading this from jail!
Back when I was a fresh and green first year apprentice, I got an opportunity to perform a "hot check" with an experienced electrician on a few units on a multi-family project.
We came to one circuit that was instantly tripping the breaker when switched on. Knowing how each unit is wired, the electrican disconneted the feed in to the first outlet to see if it was down line or in the homerun. As it turned out it was in the non-accesible homerun cable. (NM)
The electrician then instructed me to go down to the work trailer and get him a two-pole 60 amp breaker. Totaly lost and confused, I did what he said. When I got back, he explained to me that the rough-in crew was notorious for hammering the romex staples in too hard on the cables.
He then proceeded to connect the circuit to the 60-amp breaker. He switched it on and POP, did it again and POP! On the third try, it held. He then connected the circuit back up to the appropriate breaker and with a slight chuckle stated, "took care of that staple".
Knowing what I know now, I get sick to my stomach everytime I think of that day. This person was responible to ensure my training, and the electrical integrity of that unit.
I wonder where that guy is now. If you are on this forum, I hope you reading this from jail!
Re: Metal staples
Although I have always used metal staples, I can see the safety in using the plastic ones if unknowing, inexperienced, or uncaring people are involved.
Bryan, I have one problem with your post,
Roger
Although I have always used metal staples, I can see the safety in using the plastic ones if unknowing, inexperienced, or uncaring people are involved.
Bryan, I have one problem with your post,
that had to be a typo.
Roger
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Metal staples
Experienced by way of time, yes.
QUALIFIED, A big NO!
I dont even want to get into some of the others things this guy did. You will all have nightmares!
Experienced by way of time, yes.
QUALIFIED, A big NO!
I dont even want to get into some of the others things this guy did. You will all have nightmares!
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Metal staples
Back to the staples, here in MA insulated staples are required for some NM.
Part of 2002 MEC 334.30
For the larger sizes I like the plastic two nail type.
Back to the staples, here in MA insulated staples are required for some NM.
Part of 2002 MEC 334.30
8/2 NM needs insulated staples, 8/3 NM and larger does not.
For the larger sizes I like the plastic two nail type.
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: Metal staples
I remember wiring mobile homes and all units going to Mass had to have insulated staples.
I remember wiring mobile homes and all units going to Mass had to have insulated staples.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Metal staples
Installed properly there is no problem.
Installed properly there is no problem.
Re: Metal staples
I have always used metal staples. They don't have to be tight. The state ei wants the wire to be able to move with a little force. I drive a metal staple next to the box and use my ul listed T50M (?) stapler on the rest of the wire. It saves a lot of time.
I have always used metal staples. They don't have to be tight. The state ei wants the wire to be able to move with a little force. I drive a metal staple next to the box and use my ul listed T50M (?) stapler on the rest of the wire. It saves a lot of time.
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Metal staples
Roger i agree,metal staples have been in use for many years.It is the rough in guys defect not the staples defect that causes pressure shorts,I flip when i walk into on my guys houses and see him with a 28 oz. estwing hammer hitting a staple like it was a 16d nail.As far as blowing the short clear with a high amperage breaker,that is in the same class as grabbing a ground to use as a neutral We have one guy that couldnt tell you the first code article if need be but can pass all inspections and when hot checked there is very rarely a problem in his houses
go figure
Roger i agree,metal staples have been in use for many years.It is the rough in guys defect not the staples defect that causes pressure shorts,I flip
when i walk into on my guys houses and see him with a 28 oz. estwing hammer hitting a staple like it was a 16d nail.As far as blowing the short clear with a high amperage breaker,that is in the same class as grabbing a ground to use as a neutral We have one guy that couldnt tell you the first code article if need be but can pass all inspections and when hot checked there is very rarely a problem in his housesgo figure
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