I am staring to layout a plan for finishing out my basement and trying to figure out the easiest and safest way to run electrical down the length of my house. The current holes in the floor joists are packed with romex for the rest of the house so my options are to either drill another set of holes or since I am going to frame the I-Beam in I was thinking perhaps I could run the romex down the I-Beam. I was thinking of using some sort of clips or U-Brackets to secure the wires. Any thoughts on this method? If figure its safe and I would not have to drill anymore holes through my floor joists. I figured I would ask here before I call the city inspector to get his put.
At one time the NEC included an Article 357 covering “Structural Raceways” and would have permitted the installation you describe. Ask the Inspector if you can use the structural member, even though no longer in the Code.
Someone here in this audience may have the time to research for the article I mentioned.
PS: Why come here to ask this question? You may be surprised by the advice received from one of the DIY forums, seems that there are many knowledgeable people who have all of the answers you are looking for, even though not affiliated with the trade?
Caddy makes beam clips. I can’t think of any reason why you couldn’t use a beam clip in conjunction with “stackers” or some other supporting method.
You could use the plastic cable rings with the double back sticky tape if you wanted to.
Just keep them 1.25" away from the nailing surfaces of the framing you are attaching your wall finish to.
For new work the specifics really depend on your local codes, and more importantly how the local building officials interpret/apply those code provisions.
It sounds like a good option to discuss with the inspector/electrician would be to attach a vertical 1x or 2x piece of lumber to the vertical web of the I-Beam (called a “packed” beam), and then attach your cables to that. Keep in mind you can not have any concealed electrical connections like splice boxes once the work is completed, and everything needs to be inspected by the local building official before you cover the wiring.
