Code requirements in attic space?

[MadMike78]

Whats specs for running wiring through attic space in garage? Does it have to be stapled down and if so whats spacing? I have some exposed NM wiring secured to ceiling ivwantbto clean up.
Thx. Mike

 

[Mustang51js]

You need to staple at least every 4 feet, and try to keep the wires towards the outside of the house

 

[MadMike78]

You need to staple at least every 4 feet, and try to keep the wires towards the outside of the house

Does it matter whether there stapled on too of joist or to the side?

Junction boxes are permissable if not buried correct?

 

[Zeke]

The best method is to try and run cables along a joist. Or lay down a cheap 1 x 6 and run wires on top when perpendicular to the joists. No one will snag a wire that way. If near the outside of the house is hard to work in, you can run the cables more inward.

Does it matter whether there stapled on too of joist or to the side?

Junction boxes are permissible if not buried correct?

You will have situations where you will be on top of the joist. No need to drill or notch in an attic. J-boxes have to be accessible and covered with the appropriate cover. They can be under insulation but they must not be under plywood or similar.

 

[MadMike78]

It is a garage but want do things right and neat. Thx. Gents!

 

[teamextreme]

The best method is to try and run cables along a joist. Or lay down a cheap 1 x 6 and run wires on top when perpendicular to the joists.

This is a good practice and I highly recommend it, but not required "by code" unless within 6 feet of the attic access opening, or if you have permanent stairs or ladder to the attic. In general, since this protection is required, it's best to avoid running cables within 6 ft of the opening. I'm pretty sure code used to flat not allow it. It looks like it's allowed now, but you need "guard strips at least as high as the cable".

 

[MadMike78]

This is a good practice and I highly recommend it, but not required "by code" unless within 6 feet of the attic access opening, or if you have permanent stairs or ladder to the attic. In general, since this protection is required, it's best to avoid running cables within 6 ft of the opening. I'm pretty sure code used to flat not allow it. It looks like it's allowed now, but you need "guard strips at least as high as the cable".

Yeah ill just run it along top of joists. I only have a couple of curcuits todo.

 

[Syberia]

If you're anything like whoever wired my house, just sprawl it out wherever. And route the A/C ducts to completely block access to all but a small portion of the attic while you're at it. Access to the main panel from above? Forget it, unless you plan on removing half of the HVAC system.

 

[MadMike78]

On a side note: rather than starting new thread ill just keep this one going. My shop is very old and has some of the "original 2 wire BX". Most of what its running to such as old porcelain styke ceiling lights are not even there anymore. Instead its just the wiring or covered metal box. Shoukd i just remove and scrap or cut back to fresh and see if its o.k. i heard if you cut the old off its like new. I also know its a pita to strio and such.

 

[MadMike78]

If you're anything like whoever wired my house, just sprawl it out wherever. And route the A/C ducts to completely block access to all but a small portion of the attic while you're at it. Access to the main panel from above? Forget it, unless you plan on removing half of the HVAC system.

Ive seen some pics of attics like that and thats why i wondered is that really code with that mess spiderwebbed everywhere?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

On a side note: rather than starting new thread ill just keep this one going. My shop is very old and has some of the "original 2 wire BX". Most of what its running to such as old porcelain styke ceiling lights are not even there anymore. Instead its just the wiring or covered metal box. Shoukd i just remove and scrap or cut back to fresh and see if its o.k. i heard if you cut the old off its like new. I also know its a pita to strio and such.

Sounds like a complete modern re-wire is in order. Always a pain to try to fix up something, much easier to rip it out and start from scratch.

Charles

 

[ForceFed70]

In Canada, code says that if the wire is perpendicular to the joist, it needs to be supported(2x4 or 1x6 beneath) wherever the attic height exceeds 3'. Basically, if there is enough room for a person to be crawling in there, the wire needs to be supported. Otherwise, stapled every 4' is the only requirement.

 

[MadMike78]

Sounds like a complete modern re-wire is in order. Always a pain to try to fix up something, much easier to rip it out and start from scratch.

Charles

It has more modern wiring. All the rest except a few circuits
Are THHN in EMT. Ill just scrap all the old and run a few extra outlets and lights with modern ways.

 

[MadMike78]

Cant decide if i want to go up into garage attic with Romex and cone down through EMT for protection purposes only. Or junction to THHN and cone down into EMT.

Ideally woukd be new BX but seems like be pita

 

[MadMike78]

My plans are to do some rewiring. Block construction so if I run Romex in attic space i will probably run THHN from above junction in conduit down inside garage. I was trying price everything and think of easiest labor wise. I did google but still unclear difference in MC, AC, BX. MC looked cheaper and can be exposed if I understood? Id have to buy a special cutter and such? Thx. Mike

 

[Falcon67]

You need to staple at least every 4 feet, and try to keep the wires towards the outside of the house

I keep reading that - I challenge someone to come look in any house being built in this area and find any staples in the wires running across the attic space. It's just not done, never seen it done. Not my house (14 yr/old), not my daughters, not the one next door, etc, etc. In the wall near the box, maybe up the stud - sure. Elsewhere - not. Wires pulled tight enough from the riser out of the panel to the wall penetration that you can strum 'em. Not a bit of slack or service loop anywhere. A to B, short a run as possible.

Seems to be a "requirement" that nobody cares about, including inspectors.

 

[DonPowers]

I used multi cable staples in attic with a runner board screwed to the trusses.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Think your work is better than 99% of any contractor built house !!

Nice work in handling the multiple wires in organized fashion.

Have to agree with Falcon that about anything goes in newer houses as my previous 1988 house had corners cut everywhere. Current 1955 built house has a few "homeowner-style" jerry rigs, but wires are stapled and secure.

 

[DonPowers]

Thanks CNG, love those clips.

 

[MadMike78]

Thats some nice attention to detail work^^^^

 

[Mustang51js]

I keep reading that - I challenge someone to come look in any house being built in this area and find any staples in the wires running across the attic space. It's just not done, never seen it done. Not my house (14 yr/old), not my daughters, not the one next door, etc, etc. In the wall near the box, maybe up the stud - sure. Elsewhere - not. Wires pulled tight enough from the riser out of the panel to the wall penetration that you can strum 'em. Not a bit of slack or service loop anywhere. A to B, short a run as possible.

Seems to be a "requirement" that nobody cares about, including inspectors.

Yeah I agree, I don't do it either lol,I usually do about every 10 bays. As long as it's flat and neat the inspectors don't say anything

 

[DonPowers]

Thats some nice attention to detail work^^^^

Thanks Mike