Stapling NM Cable in Attic Spaces

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In my 2017 NEC handbook under 334.30 the commentary reads "Draping the cable over air ducts, rafters, timbers, joists, pipes, and ceiling grid members without securing the cable with approved means is not permitted, except where the cable is fished, as allowed in 334.30(B)(1).

It seems pretty clear that you are supposed to staple NM cable at intervals not exceeding 4-1/2' when running on top of the bottom boards of a roof trusses. This is not enforced in my area.

How would you explain this to a new electrician studying the NEC?

Thanks
 
I commented on that a little while ago. I had no problem running cables without stapling through something like attic spaces that will be concealed and inaccessible after finishes are in place. Even in new construction it can be difficult to access the area without ladders or scaffolding. I see it no differently than fishing. You can get to either side, just not in between.

So I would explain that they should staple wherever possible. But if you can't get at it and it won't be subject to damage I wouldn't worry about it. Do the best you can.

-Hal
 
At one of our IAEI regional meetings that requirement was voted in as one of the 5 most ignored Code requirements :D
 
Using the theory of inaccessible after drywall..why do we staple in walls...its inaccessible after drywall too..just follow the code. Stapling holds in place during construction and in the event of a large fault
 
I just found out in one county they don't require stapling in attic areas where there isn't a pull down stair. I remember, years ago, (that is a feat in itself) that I ran about 20 homeruns in the Vee of the attic- on the floor where the roof hits the ceiling joists. I stapled 2 or 3 cables then tie wrapped the rest every 4 feet. I got a red tag because the inspector called it bundling...:?. It is only bundled where the tie wrap was installed.... This same county use to allow a 2" hole thru joist with a bunch of wires run thru them. I said how is it worse then that. He said he never thought about it like that.

Anyway, we staple on new construction but I am guessing there are times my guys don't staple on a retro job when the wire is close to the outside wall. I used to lay in the insulation and nail it when I was working. My guys say that because I'm crazy. :D
 
Had a young electrician tell me that he had never heard of such a thing. I told him that I have been in the trades for 40 years and it was in the code when I got in. Like my boss used to say "staples and dottie plates are cheap."
 
keith gigabyte said:
Using the theory of inaccessible after drywall..why do we staple in walls...its inaccessible after drywall too..just follow the code. Stapling holds in place during construction and in the event of a large fault
Click to expand...

Completely different situation. You do want to keep it from getting pinched between the stud and sheetrock.

Dennis Alwon said:
I just found out in one county they don't require stapling in attic areas where there isn't a pull down stair.
Click to expand...

My rule is if you can get at it staple it. But in my example above, I have had attic spaces that will be inaccessible over something like a garage where the floor is unfinished (gravel) and the ceiling joists are 15' off of it. I send my fish tape across from one side to pull the runs. How is that not allowed? Just because it's new construction doesn't mean you can't fish.

-Hal
 
hbiss said:
Completely different situation. You do want to keep it from getting pinched between the stud and sheetrock.



My rule is if you can get at it staple it. But in my example above, I have had attic spaces that will be inaccessible over something like a garage where the floor is unfinished (gravel) and the ceiling joists are 15' off of it. I send my fish tape across from one side to pull the runs. How is that not allowed? Just because it's new construction doesn't mean you can't fish.

-Hal
Click to expand...


It is not allowed because the NEC requires staples. As you said if you can get there to staple it then it is required
 
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