nm on bottom of joyce

[jes25]

What do you guys think about stapling nm right to the bottom of floor joyce in a finished basement with a drop ceiling. In my research it seems unclear in the NEC. I dont have a handbook.

 

[jes25]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

I meant floor JOIST spell check goofed me up.

 

[sundowner]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Not Much !!!


In my neck of the woods, thats how a trucker does electric work. The guy who drills TJI's or runs romex through the joists is the guy I want on my team. Think about it.

 

[jes25]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

I fully realize that is not the best method. I am asking about the code.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Edit: Reference doesn't apply.

[ May 19, 2004, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: ryan_618 ]

 

[hurk27]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

334.12(A)(1)Allows it As open runs in dropped or suspended ceilings in one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.
334.15(C) only forbids it in unfinished basements.
So it's code compliant by me.

 

[tonyi]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Legal...but if there's any plumbing in the immediate of the run vicinity I'd apply some common sense and protect it with a runner or sleeve in PVC/EMT.

For couple bucks worth of those bent wood 1X culls at Orange, you could have a dandy runner job...

 

[richwaskowitz]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Hurk27 sited the right sections and should have answered your code question. A long time ago, I used to think that this rule was silly and that stapled to the bottom of a joist was just as good as run through a drilled hole a few inches higher, but I have learned a lot and have seen a lot since then. NM really needs the protection of a concealed installation method, like INSIDE a wall. Anuwhere where NM has to poke its thin-skinned neck outside that protection is a place where it is vulnerable. Just my opinion....

 

[stars13bars2]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

If the staples are not further than 4'6" apart, it will be code compliant, and you should not need any protection,other than the dropped ceiling.

 

[jes25]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Thanks guys I thought it was legal as well. Just for the record I dont want anybody thinking I do this all the time. I fully agree it needs the protection, I know a guy who staples it up in between main duct runs. I would say that is protected better than in drilled holes.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Article 100 Exposed (as applied to wiring methods): On or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access.
334.15 Exposed work. In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), the cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).
(A) To follow surface. The cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards.
This seems to indicate that even though you are behind a dropped ceiling it is considered exposed and therefore you would need to follow the surface of the joist or install running boards.

 

[peter d]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Behind a drop ceiling = exposed by NEC?? Makes perfect sense. :roll:

 

[engy]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

Originally posted by hurk27:
334.12(A)(1)Allows it As open runs in dropped or suspended ceilings in one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.
334.15(C) only forbids it in unfinished basements.
So it's code compliant by me.

??????

In OTHER than ... dwellings.

 

[hurk27]

Re: nm on bottom of joyce

engy
Yes It is allowed in dwellings. Look at 334.12 Uses Not Permitted.

334.12 Uses Not Permitted.
(A) Types NM, NMC, and NMS. Types NM, NMC, and NMS cables shall not be used as follows:
(1) As open runs in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.

It is not allowed in a comercial building but it is allowed in dwellings