Code Question: Cable support - type & distance to box

[Trapps]

I am not an electrician.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words:



The distance from truss to truss is ~22½"
Distance from right truss to the box connector is ~18½"
Distance from left truss to the box connector is ~4"

My question relates to the distance from an electrical box to a securing device has to be:

334.30 Securing and Supporting. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties listed and identified for securement and support, or straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4 ½ ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every cable entry into enclosures such as outlet boxes, junction boxes, cabinets, or fittings.

I assume I cannot run unsecured from the right truss to the box as it exceeds 12"

Can I run the NM from the right truss to the box, using a zip tie along the box hanger cross bar, or should I run over and down the left truss?

 

[PCustoms]

I assume I cannot run unsecured from the right truss to the box as it exceeds 12"

Can I run the NM from the right truss to the box, using a zip tie along the box hanger cross bar, or should I run over and down the left truss?

As far as I know it needs to be secured to the left truss with a staple, and zip ties aren't recognized for securing NM.....

Also, what is that truss, and why does it look homemade?

EDIT: fixed my poor grammar, but still should have read the citation better.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Zip ties aren't recognized for securing NM.....

From the Code citation in the 1st post .....cable ties listed and identified for securement and support

 

[Meursault74]

Here you go to another forum on the topic of listed cable ties.

Cable Ties - Listed & Identified

www.electriciantalk.com

 

[PCustoms]

From the Code citation in the 1st post .....cable ties listed and identified for securement and support

Fixed the syntax of my post.

Bit still I obviously missed the citation...one of those code things that makes me scratch my head

 

[Trapps]

Here you go to another forum on the topic of listed cable ties.

Cable Ties - Listed & Identified

www.electriciantalk.com

Thanks!

Looks like these listed type 21S cable ties are much cheaper on Amazon!

 

[Terry D]

That is one clean attic

 

[duneslider]

Another question about those trusses? They look extremely interesting and I'm curious the story with them. Looks almost like a modification or repair was made. Looks very clean and nice. Very interested in that story.

I am not an electrical code expert but I see stuff run through attic like that all the time and nothing stapled down. I was under the impression that the cable resting on the trusses was "support". Maybe just a staple near the box/light then it can be supported just on the trusses. I guess I need to spend a bit of time reading hte NEC.

Edit: Found your truss work in your project page. Really cool project. I don't see people modify trusses very often!

 

[Trapps]

@duneslider The NEC, for a DIY guy without formal training, is pretty daunting. It's also subject to interpretation in some cases. It shouldn't be in my opinion, but it is. I've also discovered that what's acceptable for one inspector/municipality might not be for another.

I've also seen cables not attached, at least per the NEC, in approved places. When we bought this home there was evidence of fire IN the service panel. It was an obvious and immediate red flag; part of our offer was contingent upon complete R&R by a licensed electrician and approval by the city. Michigan Licensing Law gives homeowners an exemption to act as their own contractor; you can get a permit with a Homeowner Affidavit. Despite this, I wasn't willing to let the PO do it. His track record, still being uncovered as I move through this house, leaves a lot to be desired. From drywall screws holding up molding, to tiling in the dishwasher (yes, I need a new dishwasher and I'll need to break tile to get the old one out!), to the aforementioned fire in the service panel.

The trusses are a conversion from Mono to Vaulted Mono. Time consuming but not difficult if you have the tools, skills and ability to take/follow direction. I have varying degrees of all three criteria. My wife might argue.