NM cable in basement

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chris white

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If a previously unfinished basement is being finished with a drop-in tile ceiling, do any new wires (to feed lighting, for instance) need to run through bored holes in the joists, or are they OK just stapled to the underside of the joists?
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Wayne: The section you cite applies only unfinished basements. The fact that a ceiling is being installed leads me to belive that it is finished, or is in the process of being finished.

Green tag from this inspector :)
 
Re: NM cable in basement

334.15 Refers to "Exposed work" (A) Requires running boards.
Definitions- Exposed (as applied to wiring methods) On or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access.
Does this apply to ceiling tiles?
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Scott
You have hit on a running discussion we have been having in our jurisdiction.
(C) is a subsection of 334.15 Exposed Work. AS Scott has mentioned, behind ceiling panels, the wire is exposed. So is the basement finished because of the drop ceiling or is it not finished. I believe that the building official decides if it is finished or not and then you go from there.

Pierre
 
Re: NM cable in basement

If you go into the attic all the wires are exposed,i see far more danger there than if you lift a 2 x 4 panel out of the grid to do a repair.
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Pierre, 320.23 is for AC cables.Maybe im not following because i was assuming romex.
I can see the concern that they get walked on.We typically run NM across trusses that then end up covered in insulation.
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Originally posted by jimwalker:
Pierre, 320.23 is for AC cables.Maybe im not following because i was assuming romex.
I can see the concern that they get walked on.We typically run NM across trusses that then end up covered in insulation.
Click to expand...
Jim: Read Pierre's post again and read the both of the references he cites.
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Ryan I think i see the idea AC=NM for purpose of installing ? the wording is poor but think i see there idea.
Will say that other than near the scuttle hole wires are not ran with running boards down here.Not defending it ,just saying how it is.
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Ryan i believe your correct.
Please don't take this wrong but down here on almost any house you will see them without running boards with exception of scuttle hole.Should you ever visit our area please visit some of the construction sites and view the roughs.
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Along this same line, has anyone seen where the homeowner in need of storage space lays or in some cases nails down sheets of osb or plywood across the joists around the scuttle hole, sometimes pinching NM underneath heavy boxes etc? :(
 
Re: NM cable in basement

John, yes but i didn't wanta open that can of worms.
Most trusses today are engineered to support roof and ceilings and state NOT FOR STORAGE.This is another one of them what happens when the ink dries problems.Have seen GC flunk final over this issue.Even seen on service calls where people lay things directly on the drywall. :mad: :mad: :mad:
 
Re: NM cable in basement

This requirement is not only for the top of floor joists, but the surface of studs and rafter up to 7 feet from the top of joists or the floor. This means that in most attics that the wiring needs to be protected or run through bored holes.

Jim
You mention that you will see it in almost any house down where you work - what about the houses you work in ;) ?
Now that you are aware of this requirement, are you going to adhere to it?

Pierre
 
Re: NM cable in basement

Pierre ,i am sure you understand why we can't drill holes in trusses.
Yes I'm guilty of this violation.
Will i correct this ?
That depends on my control of the job.If i am wiring for a EC that has been doing this for years ,all i can do is point this section out.Owners of the company don't listen to employees,employees listen to them.That is if they want to stay employed.
I would love to see this rule enforced.
Now that its been pointed out all i can do is inform my boss.I just left a company over issues like this where he told me "THEY LET ME GET AWAY WITH THAT HERE"close to his words.This was the answer i got on several things like opening all the holes on plastic boxes,running rows of wires on 2x 4,junction boxes in un accessible locations,sharp bends in 12-2,i left because i didn't want to be a part of this.While i do make some mistakes i don't knowingly do them.
How will i handle this running of wires now that its pointed out ?Not a lot i can do if inspectors won't push it.
 
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