Why staple NM?

[maverick5alive]

I understand it is code, no disputing. I'm wondering the why behind it being code.

Here's my questioning. If it is loose behind a wall and someone nails or screws into the wall, the nail/screw will touch the cable, but the cable will move and won't be drilled nailed into. If we staple to a stud, then not only is it fixed with no give, it is also attached to a target for mounting.

My next part is repair/re-wiring later. If the wire is loose, you can use the existing cable to pull a new cable. If it is stapled, you have to remove part of the wall to get the old cable out of the way.

Just a curiosity.

 

[LarryFine]

Welcome to the forum.

Securing the cables protects them during construction.

Once the walls are up, fished cables need not be secured.

 

[infinity]

As Larry said it's to keep the cable from being damaged when the walls are closed up.

 

[LarryFine]

As for repairing, we prefer to wire to minimize repairs rather than to accommodate them.

Cables and wires very rarely go bad outside of outlet and junction boxes.

 

[maverick5alive]

Welcome to the forum.

Securing the cables protects them during construction.

Once the walls are up, fished cables need not be secured.

Cool. That makes sense. I've always stapled, just never knew the why behind the code. Thank you!

 

[bullheimer]

I can answer that with one word: Insualtors.
But I'll expand a little. You aren't around to make sure those suckers don't push your wires in front of a stud.

 

[Eddie702]

When staples they have to be away from the face of the stud 1 1/4"?? doesn't completely prevent them from nails or screws but reduces the possibility.