metal studs/mc cable

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bill@usps06492

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The NEC states that MC cable must be protected per Art. 300.4A,C&D. So can I understand this to mean that when stringing MC cable through parrallel framing I need to install nail plates, since none of the studs measure the minimum distance of 1-1/4" from the edge to where the cable will be laying in the center of the metal framing? Bill
 
bill@usps06492 said:
The NEC states that MC cable must be protected per Art. 300.4A,C&D. So can I understand this to mean that when stringing MC cable through parrallel framing I need to install nail plates, since none of the studs measure the minimum distance of 1-1/4" from the edge? Bill
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Correct, if you are closer than 1-1/4" from the edge of the stud you would need to install a nail plate, even on metal studs. They make nail plates for metal studs.

By the way what size metal studs are you working with? The typical 3-1/2" metal stud would have a 1" space in the middle of the stud where you could run your MC cable without using nail plates.

Chris
 
raider1 said:
.....By the way what size metal studs are you working with? The typical 3-1/2" metal stud would have a 1" space in the middle of the stud where you could run your MC cable without using nail plates.

Chris
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I agree with the 1" space, but the OP never stated he's working with 'standard 2x4' studs.... could be 2x2s....:wink:
 
wallyworld said:
What kind of nails do they use for metal studs:D
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bill@usps06492 said:
The studs are 3-1/2"
. It's 1-1/2' to the center. A box of Caddy nail plates is $40.00 for 100. Cheap insurance from long sheet rock screws. Bill
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You are certainly free to do that but I can tell you with confidence that you will be in very small minority.

Almost no one uses nail plates on 3.5" framing when only a couple of cables are passing by. Maybe if I had a fat bundle of MC cables in 3.5" framing I might consider it.
 
A tech screw will go right thru a "nailing plate" not sure I understand why they would make any difference? I understand the code part but practically speaking
 
If you're going through holes in the metal studs MC cables do not require protection even if the size of the stud make it less than 1.25" from the edge.
 
if you don't like the fact that screws will hurt mc, then use rigid. fact is, it doesn't matter what you use because framer/hangars are trained to be able to demo any kind of wiring, even stuff embedded in concrete or lead.
 
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