Some manufacturers specify the number of NM cables that can be placed under their product.most all I have seen states (2) 14/2 (2) 12/2. I recently found a brand that only says'"for securing 14/2 14/3 and 12/2 NM cables". Some time back I had a rough in turned down because I had 3 cables under 1 staple. AHJ stated install had to be per manufacturers labeling.If I placed them so I had (2) a(1) then I violated the 1.25" rule.Anybody here run into stapling issues?
Nm staples
- Thread starter nizak
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
It isn't an issue if you use cable stackers or just install 2 wire under one staple.
PetrosA
Senior Member
- Location
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
I use King brand staples that are rated for 3x 12/3 for all my romex (unless I use stackers). The regular staples are too small for my fingers to hold and hammer at the same time.
John120/240
Senior Member
- Location
- Olathe, Kansas
I prefer Thiel brand staples. Had to buy some imitation staples from the box store one Saturday, Some of them bent before the Romex was secure.
http://www.thielfasteners.com/easydrive.htm
http://www.thielfasteners.com/easydrive.htm
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electricalist
Senior Member
- Location
- dallas tx
Exactly,,,I was on a rough,,20 degrees ,, trying to get done and SMACK I hit my thumb. I turned to my boss and said I need to go to the truck ,,he said FOR WHAT ! I said to cry in peace,,,as i started toward the truck ,,,thump thump thump THUMP THUMP THUMP....
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
We use Briscon staples which are listed for two NM cables. Are staples even required to be listed? Briscon sells both listed and non-listed staples.
http://www.brisconelectric.com/catalogPages/1_cableStaples.pdf
http://www.brisconelectric.com/catalogPages/1_cableStaples.pdf
electricguy61
Senior Member
jaylectricity
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Occupation
- licensed journeyman electrician
I've recently had an inspector claim that you have to install the staples to manufacturers specifications. In MA you have to use insulated staples. In order to put more than one wire under them you have to use the bigger staples with the red plastic insulation.
For ten years there was no problem with putting two 12-2 or 14-2 or even a 14-2 and a 14-3 under one staple. And in most towns it still isn't.
Oh well, I had been resisting stackers because they look sloppy and I prefer a solid support point before a box, but I'm getting used to them and it's obviously easier and quicker when installing three and four gang boxes.
For ten years there was no problem with putting two 12-2 or 14-2 or even a 14-2 and a 14-3 under one staple. And in most towns it still isn't.
Oh well, I had been resisting stackers because they look sloppy and I prefer a solid support point before a box, but I'm getting used to them and it's obviously easier and quicker when installing three and four gang boxes.
I like to use the big grey staples for switch boxes, you can keep the cables flat and neat.:thumbsup:
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Unlisted staple, unlisted zip tie, done.
With multiple cables above load centers I have done EMT one hole strap around the cables and zip tied the cables to the one hole strap. Or use a staples then zip tie the cables to it.
I don't know why some installers and/or inspectors get bent out of shape about the staples, how many under one, listed non listed....... I don't see what the issue is with multiple cables under one staple or strap. As long as the cable does not move and it i snot damaged because of the strap/staple, then I am OK.
I don't know why some installers and/or inspectors get bent out of shape about the staples, how many under one, listed non listed....... I don't see what the issue is with multiple cables under one staple or strap. As long as the cable does not move and it i snot damaged because of the strap/staple, then I am OK.
How about an unlisted staple and a scrap piece of Romex sheathing
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electricalist
Senior Member
- Location
- dallas tx
I was thinking the same thing,,,if I put too many wires or pinch one ,,,Ill be the one fixing it, besides AFCI is the safety net..
Sometimes I think its about selling a new thing. 2 wires under 1 staples has created lots of jobs.
- Occupation
- Licensed Electrician
That's what I did all the time. Hated it when someone wasted money on a box of stackers.
Sounds fine. Saves a trip to the truck to get zip ties.
electricalist
Senior Member
- Location
- dallas tx
I have never seen or used a zip tie in resi. What do you use them for?
- Location
- Tennessee NEC:2017
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrician
Then you shouldn't sneeze on the staples!:lol:
- Occupation
- Licensed Electrician
oops..
- Occupation
- Licensed Electrician
Drive a staple in the center of a stud leaving it about an eighth inch proud, use that as an anchor. Wrap the zip tie around three or more romexes and through the staple and pull snug. You are now strapped and secured.
jaylectricity
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Occupation
- licensed journeyman electrician
Tie the thermostat wire to the emt feeding the boiler. Tie MC cables together in heating systems with multi-zone 120v circulator pumps.
- Status