Ye olde scuttle hole

Merry Christmas
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blue spark

blue spark

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MN
I'm racking my brain to find the code ref, (I hate this one) regarding nm runs being 6 feet away from any attic access. I know why it's there and discussed with IE a couple of times but where is it? Real fun when the access is bordered by a couple a r-cans.
 
blue spark said:
I'm racking my brain to find the code ref, (I hate this one) regarding nm runs being 6 feet away from any attic access. I know why it's there and discussed with IE a couple of times but where is it? Real fun when the access is bordered by a couple a r-cans.
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You can run romex there if you put in running boards
 
Take a look at 334.23 this will send you to 320.23 which has the requirement for cables to be at least 6 feet from a scuttle hole or be "protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable."

Chris
 
Remember, you can avoid these measures if you simply drill joists for the cables within the 6' range of scuttle holes.
 
blue spark said:
Thankyou! I didn't know about the protection boards.
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Don't forget these are wood not wire , let the carpenters put them in for you. If you say it right they might just believe you.
 
acrwc10 said:
Don't forget these are wood not wire , let the carpenters put them in for you. If you say it right they might just believe you.
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Good luck with getting them to even frame it with you in mind.They will put wood where a can goes in a shower or hall,add fire blocking after your wires are in,and have never seen them put you wood to hang a ceiling fan box.At best just hope you can find a few extra studs to use.Bring nails too.
 
JohnJ0906 said:
Not if they are using trusses, which is the usual thing I see.
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How do you mean "not if they are using trusses"? If the bottom of the truss is 2x4, I'd argue (but ask the inspector first) it's not "accessible" because it doesn't have the strength (or space ...) to support a person. If it's 2x6 or larger, put a hole through it.
 
In such a case, I simply run the cable along the truss member until I pass 6', then up'n'over until I get where I'm going, and back alongside if necessary.
 
It would not make a diffence if the truss was 2X6 or 8 or 10.The EI cant fail you for drilling a truss but you better believe the building inspector will fail the hole drilled in said truss.
 
iwire said:
Not without some documentation from the truss maker.

Which should be readily available on line or from the supplier.
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Obviously, yes.

One of the problems with engineered trusses is that the bottoms tend to be in pure tension since that's the extreme fiber. The neutral fiber is up in the middle of nothingness, and the neutral fiber is where you're "allowed" to drill.

One the other paw, an engineered truss is no different, mechanically, than a hand-built truss. But, as always, before drilling in a joist, engineered truss or otherwise, ask.
 
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