UL listing?

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joebanana

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In reference to NEC110.3 (B)
Are Romex staples required to be UL listed?
Is duct tape, or string an approved method of securing Romex?
These questions are from another forum with no clear answers.
 
joebanana said:
In reference to NEC110.3 (B)
Are Romex staples required to be UL listed?
Is duct tape, or string an approved method of securing Romex?
These questions are from another forum with no clear answers.
Click to expand...

Yes.

No.

No.
 
joebanana said:
In reference to NEC110.3 (B)
Are Romex staples required to be UL listed?
Click to expand...
The code does not require it.
joebanana said:
Is duct tape, or string an approved method of securing Romex?
Click to expand...
Approved is defined in the code.
Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
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You would need to ask whoever your AHJ this question. It may vary from location to location. Incidentally, the local inspector is never the AHJ and in general has no authority to approve anything unless specifically granted that authority by the AHJ and they generally just don't do that.

Personally, I could see both methods being acceptable, especially string.

334.30 Securing and Supporting. Nonmetallic-sheathed
cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties,
straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so
as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m
(41⁄2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every outlet box,
junction box, cabinet, or fitting. Flat cables shall not be
stapled on edge.
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I don't see a whole lot of difference between cable ties and string as a means of supporting and securing as long as it is adequately strong, suitable for the environment, and knotted in such a way as it does not unintentionally come loose.

Tape is a little different since it uses an adhesive instead of a mechanical means of fastening so it might not meet the "similar" criteria. However IMO it is certainly adequate for the task if done in an appropriate way.
 
Fittings are required to be listed. Is a staple a fitting, not to me. Materials in general need to be approved which according to the article 100 definition that means:

Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
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110.2 Approval. The conductors and equipment required or
permitted by this Code shall be acceptable only if approved.
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Equipment. Ageneral term, including fittings, devices, appli-ances, luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like used as a
part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
Click to expand...
 
JFletcher said:
No.

Maybe.

Maybe.



Uh, NM staples arent required to be listed:

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=142271

and string and duct tape *may* work if the cables are adequately secured, dont get popped for "neat and workmanlike..", etc.

You can use a bent nail to secure NM, or a piece of wire.
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Then why would anyone bother to list them? That puts you at a cost disadvantage.
 
petersonra said:
The code does not require it.

Approved is defined in the code.
You would need to ask whoever your AHJ this question. It may vary from location to location. Incidentally, the local inspector is never the AHJ and in general has no authority to approve anything unless specifically granted that authority by the AHJ and they generally just don't do that.
Click to expand...
??
most AHJ's are a govt entity on paper. who ultimately represents that entity could be one or many (eg; town board of directors). an inspector is many times representing such entity (eg; s/he is a town employee doing electrical inspections), and is thus an extension of the AHJ.

as for yes'ing something that is not the norm within the area covered by the AHJ, sure, inspectors typically should not do that.
 
gadfly56 said:
Then why would anyone bother to list them? That puts you at a cost disadvantage.
Click to expand...

Because while the NEC may not require them to be listed only recognized as suitable by the AHJ a city or state might require as evidence that it is suitable that it must be a listed item. If you are the person with a listing for your staple and it can be installed and the other guy doesn't have a listing and it can not be used, who's product gets sold?
 
I did a job where I ran NM on a block wall with furring covered with drywall and the entire interstitial space was filled with 3/4" foam board. I had to cut channels in the foam board (and furring as per usual). Horizontal had nailing plates to hold the wire in. When I ran vertically, I ran in the middle between furring strips (again in a channel) and used duct tape to hold the NM in place. It stuck nicely to the foam board on either side of the cable. Inspector passed it. After the drywall was up, that cable was not going to move which might be a problem if they put up pictures with nails.
 
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