Romex in metal studs

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hardworker

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What is code requirement concerning romex being installed through metal studs in a single family residence? What is the specific type of bushing that needs to be used to protect the romex from the sharp edges? Anything else to take into consideration on this job?
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

Ok, thanks. I was told by another electrician, that armoured cable had to be used. Please comment.
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

Have wired many of metal stud house in romex.They are a bit of a pain but nothing wrong with them.Be sure to brace anything over single gang boxes with a piece of 2x 4
The bushings are red or yellow both are 1 inch.The reds work in the prepunched holes or the ones you make.They cost about a dime

[ February 16, 2004, 05:28 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

Jim try these instead of messing around with 2x4s

Cheap fast and easy.

IL2402.jpg
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

Mostly we use plastic bracket boxes.the 4 gangs come with something like that but kinda flimsy.
We just pick up small blocks of 2x4 and screw gun puts them on in a few seconds
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

Bob those work great with 4 sqs. but for the most part pvc bracket boxes are used and when there are 2 gangs and up you have to brace them to ease trim out.I like using pieces of metal studs to do this less weight than lumber and readily found.Nobody mentioned securing nm within distances from a box and running down the studs.There are stand offs that have one hole in the end to secure them and a clip type ring on the ends that holds the nm.Funny part is they are not ul listed but state that they conform to 300 4 d.
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

I do not know of a product for plastic boxes, the product I showed will work for metal 4" sqs or metal switch boxes.

It has been a while since I did NM on metal studs but at the time no one around here was using plastic boxes on metal studs, that could have changed it has been 15+ years. :eek:
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

15 years ago I spent all my time wiring apartments and condos almost all NM and metal studs.

I still use NM, mostly for temps and we do some surprising large jobs all NM but these have few interior walls to wire. (large retail space)

For boxes 99% of them are 4"sq. deeps with plaster rings supported by one of the following.

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This is one brand at least two companies make the same stuff.

[ February 16, 2004, 06:58 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

When using NM through metal studs with non-metalic boxes, is there a requirement for bonding the metal studs? The closest I can get is 250.104(C), but it's not clear to me that these studs are what the code would consider "structural steel", and they probably won't be exposed.
 
Re: Romex in metal studs

Originally posted by jimwalker:
Ryan, i know not required but would it be a good idea?
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I don't think I would spend any time bonding it, but its not a bad thing either. Heres a FPN about it. Like EPrice said, it is neither exposed nor is it subject to personal contact.

250.116 FPN: Where extensive metal in or on buildings may become energized and is subject to personal contact, adequate bonding and grounding will provide additional safety.
Click to expand...
 
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