Residential basement

[pierre]

I had an inspection the other day by one of the brightest individuals I have met. Here is the scenario:
A residential basement with a drop ceiling that is part of the new basement renovation, making it a 'living space'. The room was very nicely finished, actually it became the nicest space in the house.
Above the drop ceiling I had stapled the NM cable to the bottom of the beams. He cited this as a violation, using 334.15(C). I mentioned to him that this was not an 'unfinished' basement.
What do you think?

Pierre

 

[daveselectric]

Re: Residential basement

I think the inspector is in left field. Did he require the outlets tob GFCI protected

 

[david]

Re: Residential basement

Tit for tat, he could come back with 334.15 (A) To Follow Surface. The cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards.

 

[pierre]

Re: Residential basement

David
I know that behind the drop ceiling is considered an exposed area as applied to wiring methods (Art 100), would you consider that stapling the wire to the bottom of the beams as following the surface.
This was the first time I had this pointed out to me, and I was able to convince the inspector that because this is a 'finished' basement that 334.15(C) did not apply.

Pierre

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Residential basement

This is no different than stapling across the joists that have furring strips and sheetrock over them. Not a problem as far as I see it.

 

[david]

Re: Residential basement

Pierre,

I can?t tell you how many homes I walk through to do a service up-grade inspection where the NM cable is being used for a clothes- line. I?ve been escorted by the elderly that use the NM cable to hold on to when they where unsure of their balance. I can see in an exposed wiring system why you would want extra protection to prevent tress on NM cable stable points.

I do not view the cable system above a drop ceiling as exposed to the same likelihood of being damaged. The only point I?m trying to make is the wiring system as you stated is an open run. This is still an exposed area. I?m not sure that stabling the cable across the joist is closely following the building finish. 334.15 (A) Does mention running boards and this section is other than unfinished basements. I do not have a problem with the end result of the meeting between you and the inspector.

 

[pierre]

Re: Residential basement

David
I also have seen the 'NM cable clothes line'. I have come across pipe and lumber being stored in between the joists, with extra staples to make sure it holds

Pierre

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Residential basement

Hmmm, rereading and reassesing. I am starting to think running boards, or drill through the joists.