Wiring my house

[ef]

Just added a new addition and need help in running wire? here it is, Can I drill through the paralam beams that are now in the way and can i drill more that one hole and how far away from each other? I have alot of questions but right now just one at a time. Thank you

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Wiring my house

This can be more complicated than you imagine. You have not provided enough details of exactly what members you plan to drill through and what these members are being used for. Building codes govern how many, how big, and where holes may be drilled into wood members.

In some cases, drilling or cutting into wood members requires a detailed and approved specification by the structural engineer.

Assumming you are talking about round holes and not notches, I will provide a basic guidline.

For horizontal joists, holes shall not be within 2" of the top or bottom of the joist, and the diameter of the hole shall not exceed 1/3 the depth of the joist.

For vertical members, holes shall not be more than 40% of the width of any stud, or 60% the width of a nonload bearing wall. Holes shall not be located within 5/8" of the edge of the member or it will be considered a notch.

Holes can be up to 1 3/8" in any 2x4 stud, or up to 2 1/16" in a nonload bearing wall.

Nail plates should be used where the hole is within 1 1/4" of the edge of the member, top plate holes require 1/8" steel plate at least 1 1/2" secured with not less than 4 - 16 penny nails.

Truss members and components should never be drilled unless details are provided by the structural engineer.

Please review your local building code and get engineering assistance before any drilling is performed.

 

[pierre]

Re: Wiring my house

Hello ef

It is admirable that you want to wire your own addition, but as has been noted here many times before there is too much that could go wrong and without seeing the jobsite, sometimes explaining the method might be more dangerous than we know.
With your question about drilling, I would be suspect about the rest of your wiring skills, but if you are determined, here is what I suggest.
Do the rough wiring and let an electrical contractor do the terminations before sheetrocking, especially in the panel. This way he may be able to see any potential problems only a professional can pick up. Then you will be able to enjoy your addition for years to come. Good luck!

Pierre

 

[daveselectric]

Re: Wiring my house

You may want to check with the manufacturer of the engineered lumber. They should have specs as where and how to's of penetrating the lumber without loosing the integrity. You lumber supplier should be able to help with this.

An engineer can also calulate this, but would need to know the detail shuch as the span, lumber size, what the lumber is supporting.

The inspector shoulb accept either of the above specs. Whatever you do, get the specifics in writing.

 

[jxofaltrds]

Re: Wiring my house

A parallam can not be cut or drilled unless it is approved by the manf.

Basic drilling rules do not apply here.

Mike P.

 

[roger]

Re: Wiring my house

Pierre, good post.

Roger

 

[flightline]

Re: Wiring my house

Engineered wood systems have given those building today many advances and things that they couldn't just do with "stick building. While we are electricians, we must first stand back and remember that the structure is the item of prime importance as it will provide the placew in which we exist. While required for most structures today, our systems can be looked at as "convenience" items in most cases. We do NOT have right of way to do willy nilly what is simply easiest and/or quickest and/or cheapest for us to get our work done. As you may have read in the previous posts, there are very strict rules for each type of engineered wood system. And each manufacturer may have their own rules on top of those as well. And the architect ot structural engineer that specified these systems did so based upon certain assumptions of these elements being pure and uncomprimised. Their loads were calculated that way. You change these elements and you change the loads that these elements can now safely carry.

If you have watched series on TV like This Old House or Hometime, you know that, in the past, plumbers dis horrible damage to the old stick built buildings causing sagging of floors and the like by "HACKING" the struture away just so they could get the crapper where the homeowner wanted it. It just doesn't go today. You paid good money for this addition, why throw that away?

We have to look at each job as this is someones largest investment. They will raise a family and live there, [ when it comes to a home]. Most likely in ignorant bliss. And shouldn't they to some extent?

So if you can't find a less invasive route, please consult with and get written "permission" from those persons mentioned by my fellow electricians and other professionals. Or better yet, hire a professional to handle this for you.

Just my two cents.

 

[bill addiss]

Re: Wiring my house

ef,

Maybe the Contractor who built the extension could advise you about drilling of holes.

As far as the wiring is concerned I'd recommend that you consult with an Licensed Electrician before you do any wiring if you do not have any knowledge and experience with that. Explain what you want to do and he may be willing to work with you to some degree. Trying to get someone to make final connections to your work afterwards could be a problem or could prove expensive.

Bill

[ July 02, 2003, 12:53 PM: Message edited by: bill addiss ]

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Wiring my house

Heres an inspectors point of view: If you drill, bore, cut, notch or alter anything that is not conventional lumber, I require the engineer of record or manufacturer to sign off on it, or, as is the case more often than not, provide a fix for it. Good luck with your project

 

[pierre]

Re: Wiring my house

Thanks Roger!

BTW- If we could collect the 2 cents everyone puts in on these forums, I bet we could throw some PARTY !!!!!!!

Pierre