Residential Wiring Practices

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splinetto

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Missouri
The one hole for multiple wire topic got me thinking at work.(And Im apparently the only one on here that does that). Why do I run my wires horizontal and vertical with the framing members? It would be much faster to just pull them diaginal if need be. Not saying that I would even do it But does anyone here do it that way?
 
I go diagonal when it's easier to do so. I sorta thought everyone did from time to time. Particularly when I'm going from horizontal to vertical, I might cut the corner on a curve by drilling 3 or 4 successive studs on an upward angle to round it off. Sure makes pulling easier. If it's concealed, no reason to make artwork out of it with all square runs.
 
In a non-insulated wall, I don't see the problem, although I don't do it myself.

On an insulated wall, I try to stay within 6" of the top or bottom of the stud bay. Makes the insulation easier to instal - and it is required by some of the builders we work for.
 
I think I would have a hard time working somewhere else. We do things alot diff here not that your wrong I just have never ran a wire diagnal on a rough in. Every wire is straight. NO twist in it, and they don't touch.. Is St. Louis the only place that does it that way in the country?
 
JohnJ0906 said:
On an insulated wall, I try to stay within 6" of the top or bottom of the stud bay. Makes the insulation easier to instal - and it is required by some of the builders we work for.
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You're kiddin! Never heard of such. I'm sure it does make the insulator's job easier, but I wonder if it's cheaper to pay the electrician to run his cables high and low, or cheaper to pay the insulator to split the insulation as needed to nest around the cables? Sounds like misery.
 
To be honest, I've been doing it long enough that it is old-hat.
I think the point was to avoid compressing the insulation. :-?

A lot of outside walls go up-and-over or down-and-under anyway.
 
splinetto said:
The one hole for multiple wire topic got me thinking at work.(And Im apparently the only one on here that does that). Why do I run my wires horizontal and vertical with the framing members? It would be much faster to just pull them diaginal if need be. Not saying that I would even do it But does anyone here do it that way?
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It's funny the way we perceive neat and orderly, (which, if you so a search you'll find plenty mention that a tradesman's work should be such). Why do right angles seems so much cleaner than every which way. Why does it seem cleaner for 10 pieces of romex stabled down a surface in identical spacing than just pulled down the quickest way? I'm sure it has something to do with the mathematical formula for the meaning of life but until we know what that is I would just think we do it because it's natural. To be honest (and maybe this is a testament to my lack of creativity) I had never even considered running diagonal like that... I'm kinda ashamed
 
I guess it all on how we are raised in the trade. A guy who taught me when I was an apprentice made me go back on a 80 foot run of 14/2 and get all of the twist out of the wire and make sure it laid flat on the wood.
 
So far, we're not talking about twists. I'm not sure you'll find anyone who will tell you that a twist is acceptable by them. I think we're still talking about running the NM cable on an angle to the framing.
 
ITO said:
I can just see some inspector failing you for 110-12 for the shortcut.
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I defy you to show me any licensed electrician who's ever gotten a 110.12 red tag. They're oft talked about on forum sites, but I've yet to learn of anyone who's ever gotten one, save for a DIY.
 
I'll run NM diagonal if the need presents itself. Sometimes you need to avoid obstacles or you might be in a pinch and only have X amount of wire and it won't be enough toL and you need to /. Other times it is more economical. I doubt an inspector would fail rough in wiring that was diagnal by 110.12 if done with the same care as horizontal and vertical.
 
You know, on occasion, I will run on a diagonal across a ceiling that will be finished. Not always, but sometimes. Yet I don't like it on walls. Go figure. :rolleyes:

Ahhh... consistent inconsistency. :D
 
I've run diagonal, too, but only when I working with existing cables in a remodel and it's the only way to get where I need it to go.
 
it's the norm around here for tract home wiring...there are 4 or 5 large resi new construction shops...in an effort to save time and wire, they not only run diagonal, but I believe they have found the elusive wire stretcher that I looked for as an apprentice.
 
mdshunk said:
I defy you to show me any licensed electrician who's ever gotten a 110.12 red tag. They're oft talked about on forum sites, but I've yet to learn of anyone who's ever gotten one, save for a DIY.
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I have seen a inspection card that the plumber failed for neat and workman like. I dont know if that is in there code or the inspector took it out of the NEC .. Either way it FAILED The kicker of the story is that the house was being built for the owner of the plumbing contractor.
 
wire stretcher

wire stretcher

I did run into one job where I believe they had found that animal. I went to the basement of a three story house fully expecting to see 100 lb. weights hanging on the home runs...tight as a banjo string...it's the only job I ever rejected for radius of bends on NM, They were practically cut where the made 90 turns at the studs.
 
mdshunk said:
I defy you to show me any licensed electrician who's ever gotten a 110.12 red tag. They're oft talked about on forum sites, but I've yet to learn of anyone who's ever gotten one, save for a DIY.
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And I know of a couple of electricians who got the Big turn DOWN for neat and workman like.....the homeowner called the shop and union hall and the house had to be redone.
 
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