Bored Stud Hole Proximity ... How close?

[ducatithunder]

Stud Bored Hole Proximity ... How close?

Never really thought much about this until Im drilling holes in studs. I am drilling 7/8 - 1" holes for rough wiring in 2x6 studs. I am running (3) 12/2 home runs for outlets and (3) 14/2 home runs for lights on 2 joining walls. Im trying to keep most of the electrical runs planned in that they stay under 48" except the 230v runs for the welders and air compressor which will go high so I have open space to hang whatever I may want or run a 3" screw into studs for cabinets without issues.

I did a quick search and got nothing other then notching and stud edge minimum depth. I am really trying to keep the holes bored to a minimum nor overpack the holes. I have plenty of room of air space around the wires in the current configuration.

So to my question ... How close do you typically drill holes apart from each other. Is 6-8 inches enough spacing between holes?

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

Re: Stud Bored Hole Proximity ... How close?

I typically drill holes at knee height. So in your case, I would go just below knee height and just above knee height. This will likely be 6-8" apart.

I use knee height because when I wire new construction, I run around with a large corded drill and use my knee to take the weight off my arms.

 

[MikeF2316]

I've always spaced them at least a diameter apart, and put them in the center third of the stud. But I'm not usually running multiple wires through anything but 2x10 joists, where a 3/4" hole near the middle does not appreciably weaken the structure no matter how close together you put them.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, the holes should be drilled in the center of the studs, if the edge of the hole is less than 1.25" from the edge of the stud you will need to tack on a nail plate.

I would also recommend a nail plate where you will be using those 3" screws.

Personally, I would not drill the holes closer than 4" to each other. I am sure that you can put two cables in each hole.

Any advice you get from me is guaranteed to be worth exactly what you have paid me for it.

 

[ducatithunder]

Thanks for the advice! Yes all these holes are drilled on centerline of the 2x6 studs. Plenty of meat. No offset side to side ... just dead nuts center.

I have seen runs that looked liked swiss cheese when roughing was done. I am trying to avoid this by thinking/planning about it a little prior to drilling.

6-8" from edge of hole to edge of hole seems ample enough but I wanted to get a clear consensus.

Outlets are 36 inches off the ground except where the workbenches are which raise up to 48 inches. Again to keep wires low so large items can be hung without worry of hitting electrical.

 

[ducatithunder]

Personally, I would not drill the holes closer than 4" to each other. I am sure that you can put two cables in each hole.

I have (3) 12/2 runs in one 1" hole and (3) 14/2 in the other 7/8" hole. That is my max to allow for air space between the wires in the stud. I belief (4) nm-b wires is the max or 8 current conductors before derating.

Im trying to keep the runs close without getting to close and having issues with the wall structure.

 

[nadogail]

I have (3) 12/2 runs in one 1" hole and (3) 14/2 in the other 7/8" hole. That is my max to allow for air space between the wires in the stud. I belief (4) nm-b wires is the max or 8 current conductors before derating.

Im trying to keep the runs close without getting to close and having issues with the wall structure.

Your way should work "good enough".