NM cable stackers

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nizak

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I recently roughed in a new home in an area that I haven't worked in before.



I used the plastic nail on NM cable holders that per the Mfgr's literature state that up to 8 cables 14/2 12/2 14/3 can be secured.2 cables per slot are allowed, a piece of plastic separates the next " slot", 4 openings total.

My rough in failed due to the following.


The inspector will not allow the use of these on exterior walls where cellulose insulation will be installed because there is not adequate separation between the cables.

I have several 4 gang boxes that have 6-7 cables entering and are positioned in these stackers.

Is this anything that others have encountered?
 
I think you need to ask him for a code reference. Did he say how much separation he was looking for? Is the insulation loose fill or spray on?

Which brand are you using? The 3M SI-1 stacker allows 8 cables only for 14-2 NM.

The G-B stackers say 8 14-2 or 12-2 NM
 
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They are the GB 100 series.

I have used them for the past couple years. Once I had an inspector ask for the packaging to see what the specs were.

Once he read it and saw they were being used correctly
,he was fine with it.

I have been noticing that there is a lot more attention being paid to the different installation aspects of NM cable.

Just think of the millions of homes that were built in the 60's 70's etc that have NM cable triple and quadruple stacked with metal staples driven in like 16d nails.

Or that have 30 home runs stuffed in a piece of 2" conduit .
 
nizak said:
I recently roughed in a new home in an area that I haven't worked in before.



I used the plastic nail on NM cable holders that per the Mfgr's literature state that up to 8 cables 14/2 12/2 14/3 can be secured.2 cables per slot are allowed, a piece of plastic separates the next " slot", 4 openings total.

My rough in failed due to the following.


The inspector will not allow the use of these on exterior walls where cellulose insulation will be installed because there is not adequate separation between the cables.

I have several 4 gang boxes that have 6-7 cables entering and are positioned in these stackers.

Is this anything that others have encountered?
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i think the inspector is wrong but in the mean time you have to pass it to get paid use caddy tsgb16 and use cable ties and space them out.
 

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I'm gonna ask for a written code reference.

If he drags his feet on passing it, I will let the general contractor call the municipality and talk to his boss.

I got 50% down to start, I can wait it out.
 
nizak said:
I'm gonna ask for a written code reference.

If he drags his feet on passing it, I will let the general contractor call the municipality and talk to his boss.

I got 50% down to start, I can wait it out.
Click to expand...

Good, I don't think you should fix it.
 
We install staples halfway driven down the stud and then cable tie all the NM to the the staples. Never failed an inspection yet.
 
I wish the section regarding bundling of NM (334.80) took into account the number of circuits, their OCPD, and loads served. No matter how many cables in a space you have, if two are home runs from 15A breakers, the other 5-xx being switchlegs and what not, you're only putting max 30A thru that 'one way', and another 30A out to the loads. Even with minimal separation that stackers provide, istm such an assembly would generate less heat that a single #4+ NM cable feeding an on-demand water heater or large spa at full song.

I dont encounter the OP's situation often since I'd rather drill more smaller holes thru the top plate (easier on a cordless drill) and use less firestop in them, and use a scrap piece or two of lumber between studs, securing the NM to that, bringing all the wire more or less straight down from plate to 4+ gang box. Even at that, separation between entrances in a plastic box is, what, ~2" max?

I'll point out too that what type of insulation the HO is going to use is often unknown, so when pulling wire thru joists, multiple smaller holes with fewer cables per is the way I do it - then it matters not what they use. and it's similarly easier there to bore more smaller holes than fewer larger ones.
 
nizak said:
.....Or that have 30 home runs stuffed in a piece of 2" conduit .
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That drives me up the freaking wall and I see it all the time here.

I looked at a house a few weeks ago that I was considering to buy; owner was showing me around and mentioned he'd just had the place re-wired.

The panel cover was actually off; I saw two 2" PVC conduits going up the wall at least 4' absolutely stuffed with romex.


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