nm protected in attic?

[jetlag]

I know the code states Nm ran perpendicular across edge of framing members must be protected with strips of wood within 6 ft of opening to attic. But is a fold down stair case considered permanent steps , in which case the entire attic much be protected to a height of 7 ft. Iv heard that near the edge where the rafters are not over 21 " above ceiling joists, nm is not required to be protected. Ive been in a lot of new construction where there were permanent stair cases to large attics and only protection was within 6 ft of top of stairs. Is this against code ? I am confused about this

 

[480sparky]

334.17 refers you to 320.23.

320.23 In Accessible Attics.
Type AC cables in accessible attics or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in 320.23(A) and (B).
(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.

 

[jetlag]

fold down accessible ?

fold down accessible ?

334.17 refers you to 320.23.

320.23 In Accessible Attics.
Type AC cables in accessible attics or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in 320.23(A) and (B).
(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.

Ive read 320.23 many times before, part of my question is do the pull down fold up ladders count as permanent stairs. ?

 

[e57]

That would be an AHJ call, but IMO - Yeah, they are perminantly going to be there, and they are stairs/ladder... 320.23 tells you about the floor or joists at the FLOOR of the attic. (Below you when you are in it.) Or when run across the face of rafters or studs below 7' inside the attic. Anything within them (Behind the face of studs or rafters) is also an AHJ interpetation call on "Physical Damage" - Some localities see NM below a certain hieght as in need of protection. Some see no need for protection at all.