Electrical wire with staples

[msandford (Matthew E. Sandford)]

I was on a job and there was electrical wiring running accross the roof truss’s and they were stapled at the base portion of the truss. I believe I ran across that this was illegal but for the life of me cannot find where I found it. Thanks, in advance for any help.

Matt

[jfunderburk (Joe Funderburk, CMI)]

That looks really good to me.

[mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106)]

Nice and neat.

OK with me.

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

It depends on a few factors one being access and the other how close to the access are the cables.

334.23 In Accessible Attics. The installation of cable in
accessible attics or roof spaces shall also comply with
320.23.

320.23 In Accessible Attics. Type AC cables in accessible
attics or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in
320.23(A) and (B).
(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where
run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of
the floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding,
the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that
are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not
accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall
only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of
the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
(B) Cable Installed Parallel to Framing Members.
Where the cable is installed parallel to the sides of rafters,
studs, or ceiling or floor joists, neither guard strips nor
running boards shall be required, and the installation shall
also comply with 300.4(D).

[mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106)]

Robert, I suppose the intent of that is to prevent someone damaging the wire if they store objects in the attic but it is so poorly written and explained as to cause lots of confusion.

The OP would not be in compliance as the wire looks to be less than 6 ft. from the scuttle.

Code aside, I would have a tough time calling what is pictured a defect worth fixing.

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

They are not installed correctly as the prongs should go through the insulation covering.
Those are tester staples designed to get a E/I reading from the metal U nail surface.
You place mutimeter red lead on the metal surface then ground the other for your reading with no need to open the junction box.
Gosh what is wrong with you guys?

[mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106)]

@belliott

They are not installed correctly as the prongs should go through the insulation covering.
Those are tester staples designed to get a E/I reading from the metal U nail surface.
You place mutimeter red lead on the metal surface then ground the other for your reading with no need to open the junction box.
Gosh what is wrong with you guys?

Bob, look at the pic I posted. They legit for NM.

edit: I guess I missed the humor attempt. Try smiley.

[rcooke (Roy D. Cooke, Sr)]

@belliott

They are not installed correctly as the prongs should go through the insulation covering.
Those are tester staples designed to get a E/I reading from the metal U nail surface.
You place mutimeter red lead on the metal surface then ground the other for your reading with no need to open the junction box.
Gosh what is wrong with you guys?

Cute Bob love it… Roy

[mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI)]

Can I ask where all the insulation went that would normally cover all this nice and neat electrial work?;):mrgreen:

[wblackmon (William Blackmon)]

In the second photo, the cable nearest the camera has been damaged just past the staple.

[sstanczyk (Stephen Stanczyk, WA License #221)]

Like Bob would know what NM looks like…

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

@sstanczyk

Like Bob would know what NM looks like…

See it all the time and here is the latest example.
They did not need any stinkin staples either …keeps it nice and portable.

[ATTACH]

[/ATTACH]

You guys with the fast onsite reports do not work Chicago,trust me.

[mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI)]

Also in Maine Bob.

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

Romex = Extension cord.

Never see real conduit looking like that.

[mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI)]

Bob, the majority of the NM cable in the pictures are being suspended from the undersized 18 gauge wire that is holding up the suspended ceilings.

A big no no. ;)

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

Glad you can see through that mess as it looks like a Gordian knot to my eyes.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gordian+knot&hl=en&prmd=imvnsa&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Q39zUJaJGunWyQGFhoCgAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CCoQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=965

[jshields (Justin Shields)]

That is a nice and neat staple job for the home runs. As far as being to close to the access… I think the 6’ from the scuttle rule made it in the 2008 code book but don’t quote me. You could easily slap two 2x4’s on either side of those wires and they are protected.