Bored hole in stud distance question

[HRJoe]

It is very clear to me based on resources I've read that romex wires that run through bored holes must be 1.25" from the edge of the wood (and if not, 1/16 steel plate cover) to prevent puncture from nail or screw.

Typically, I see this distance measured from the open side of an unfinished wall. Now if this is an interior wall (accessible from both sides), then I'd understand that the hole would need to be centered or in such a way that allows for 1.25" from both lateral directions.

My question is, in the case of my pole barn with 6" walls (created by 6x6 wood posts), does it matter how close the romex is run to the exterior side of wall, or do I just need to keep 1.25" from the inside wall? Obviously I'm not boring holes in my posts but what I am doing is running the romex between the posts and the exterior siding hung on 2x6's (making them over 6" from future interior wall finishing, but making them less than 1" from exterior siding)...is that okay?

Thanks,
HRJ

 

[buckbowhunterboy]

I would say no. The intent is that nails and screws can't puncture and short out the wire. If the exterior siding has to be replaced the wires could be punctured then.

 

[pattenp]

(making them over 6" from future interior wall finishing, but making them less than 1" from exterior siding)...is that okay?

Thanks,
HRJ

No... NM needs be maintained a minimum of 1.25" from the nailing face of framing members.

NEC 300.4(D)

 

[ishiboo]

I would say no. The intent is that nails and screws can't puncture and short out the wire. If the exterior siding has to be replaced the wires could be punctured then.

Not only this, but for structural purposes it'd be a bad idea to put a big hole right along the edge of every outside stud.

Basically - keep the hole as small as practical, centered in the stud. Use two smaller holes one above the other, versus one large hole or side by side.

 

[HRJoe]

Maybe I need to make sure the wires are up against the 6x6 so that the 2x6 maintains the 1.25" separation from exterior siding? Again, I'm not planning to bore holes in every post


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[HRJoe]

I guess part of my question is that I'm not running through any studs...I'm not running anywhere there should be screws...unless you completely miss the broad side of a 2x6....but I am running potentially closer to exterior siding than 1.25", so does the code about bored hole distance apply to me?


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[APEowner]

I guess part of my question is that I'm not running through any studs...I'm not running anywhere there should be screws...but I am running potentially closer to exterior siding than 1.25"


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It sounds like you're running them against the face of the framing members (posts). I would guess that's against code and I'd say for sure that it's a bad idea. Eventually someone is going to try and screw something to the exterior of the building...

 

[pattenp]

I guess part of my question is that I'm not running through any studs...I'm not running anywhere there should be screws...unless you completely miss the broad side of a 2x6....but I am running potentially closer to exterior siding than 1.25", so does the code about bored hole distance apply to me?

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No ... Bored Holes is 300.4(A)(1). 300.4(D) applies to you, Cables parallel to framing members. If you are running the cable along the 2X6 wall girts where the cable passes behind the post it is not to be closer than 1.25 to the surface plane of face of the girt where the siding is applied.

 

[Zeke]

If for some reason you have to run the cable close to the edge of the lumber, put a piece of metal angle in front of it.

 

[HRJoe]

If for some reason you have to run the cable close to the edge of the lumber, put a piece of metal angle in front of it.

I think that's the best solution. I'm not drilling my 6x6's!


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