Protector Plates

[porschedude996TT]

Is there a requirement to put Protector Plates every place a cable goes through a 2 x 4 where a drywall screw/nail could penetrate a cable, even in a run along the wall? Or are only used where the perimeter on the top plate.

Thanks!

[Matt M, PA]

Only if the cable is less than 1.25" from the edge

[tfi racing]

If the wire is within 1.25 inches of the face of the stud,or in an area where cabinets will be installed(ie,kitchen),where they pass through the plates or mostly wherever the inspector feels like,they are required.As long as your hole is centered on the 2x4 you won't need them outside of the above areas.

[Aceman]

Just to add to what was said above, don't be afraid to throw nail plates up anywhere you think you might be sinking long fasteners into the wall. Shelves, cabinets, bike hangers, etc. Nail plates are cheap and take 2 secs. to install, really no excuse not to use them even if you're only slightly worried about hitting the wire.

[ddawg16]

They are typically called "Nail Stoppers".

As explained above.....but me? I put them in anyway even though there is enough room.....the plates are cheap...tearing out a wall is not....

But I also tend to run the wire where it is unlikely that I'll be sinking some long screws or nails.

[W-Cummins]

They work ok and I have installed many boxes (raco) of them, BUT I always wondered how well they worked in an abusive condition:-) So I got out the nail gun and it blasts the nails through them like they are not there. You could be in for a rude surprise if you were nailing off OSB to the studs with a nail gun. yeah I know too much idle time.....

William....

[larry4406]

I have also seen drywall screws run straight thru the kick plates.

[kbs2244]

This is why you get a rough inspection.
He will tell you where he wants them.
That said they are pretty cheap and easy to install.
When I do Romex, I put them everywhere.

[porschedude996TT]

They are typically called "Nail Stoppers".

As explained above.....but me? I put them in anyway even though there is enough room.....the plates are cheap...tearing out a wall is not....

But I also tend to run the wire where it is unlikely that I'll be sinking some long screws or nails.

I called them 'Protector Plates" because that is what is stamped into the plate and I read it 50 times yesterday. I see the cardboard box says "Nail Plates". Thanks for chiming in. I guess these offer little real protection when it comes to a nailgun loaded with a rack of 16's...

[rinny_tin_tin]

I called them 'Protector Plates" because that is what is stamped into the plate and I read it 50 times yesterday. I see the cardboard box says "Nail Plates". Thanks for chiming in. I guess these offer little real protection when it comes to a nailgun loaded with a rack of 16's...


They do work most of the time. I have never been able to penetrate them with a simple hammer or screw gun, but I can's say what a pneumatic framer will do. They are good idea nonetheless and I use them regardless of the amount of wood meat in front as I rather not have a possible arcing fault inside a wood member owed created by a stray inadvertent screw, etc

[porschedude996TT]

The NEC talks about bushings that I guess go inside the hole drilled in the stud/cap. Does someone make these? I can't find them at HD...

[MisterCMK]

If you have wood framing there is no bushing required. You need a bushing when you are going through metal studs.