Does Building code or electrical code determine hole placement in studs?

[TimberMan]

I failed my rough in electrical inspection because one hole for Romax was allegedly drilled within 5/8 of an inch of the stud edge. I’m gonna measure it because I don’t think it’s that close but if it is, does “building code” govern this dimension or does the NEC govern this dimension?

Thanks

 

[jd_1138]

Seems it'd be an electrical code issue. Don't want the wires too close to the drywall or other wall material due to fire risk. I don't think it would weaken the stud too much in terms of structural rigidity.

 

[Shiftless]

I do a bit of DIY electrical on my own house. It is my understanding that cables in that situation have to be protected by a steel nailing plate tapped on the the edge of the stud.
Use one of these.

 

[PCustoms]

NEC

 

[PCustoms]

pic of the issue?

What size stud?

Will the inspector allow you to put a nail plate over it?

 

[75gmck25]

IIRC, NEC states that the hole for the wire must 1 1/4" back from the edge of the stud, and a standard 2x4 stud is about 3 1/2" deep. If its less than that depth you must protect it with a nailing plate.

I usually recess the nailing plate just enough so it is flat with the stud face, to avoid bulges when you install the drywall.

 

[TimberMan]

pic of the issue?

What size stud?

Will the inspector allow you to put a nail plate over it?

2x6 stud, pics attached

 

[PCustoms]

2x6 stud, pics attached

Yeah that's a pretty obvious fail. 2x4 can be tough, 2x6 leaves you miles of space. Drill more towards center

Did you have the plates in it during inspection?

 

[TimberMan]

Yeah that's a pretty obvious fail. 2x4 can be tough, 2x6 leaves you miles of space. Drill more towards center

Did you have the plates in it during inspection?

Yes, plates were in ahead of inspection as shown. I can’t find anything in the NEC that says what is pictured is a fail since I have protected the wire with the metal plates.

 

[pcmeiners]

Stud to the the left has no plate protecting the bottom showing wire.

 

[TimberMan]

Stud to the the left has no plate protecting the bottom showing wire.

The stairs are in the way of getting a plate in there but he only took issue with the stud that he marked with an X

 

[nadogail]

In addition to having to protect the cables from being damaged by nails and screws driven into them; the stud has to be protected by not being weakened by drilling holes too big or too close together.

In my opinion both the Structural and Electrical Codes need to be addressed.

 

[TimberMan]

In addition to having to protect the cables from being damaged by nails and screws driven into them; the stud has to be protected by not being weakened by drilling holes too big or too close together.

Agreed, but is that part of building code or NEC?

 

[nadogail]

Agreed, but is that part of building code or NEC?

Both address the situation, but from different perspectives; again the answer is "It Depends".

 

[TimberMan]

Both address the situation, but from different perspectives; again the answer is "It Depends".

Reason I’m focused on this detail is that the structure is a barn and categorize as “agricultural” therefore, I do not need to meet building code. If I can show that this hole location issue is for building code then he’s gonna have to pass me because that’s outside of his jurisdiction for this building.

 

[PCustoms]

Reason I’m focused on this detail is that the structure is a barn and categorize as “agricultural” therefore, I do not need to meet building code. If I can show that this hole location issue is for building code then he’s gonna have to pass me because that’s outside of his jurisdiction for this building.

If the electrical inspector failed your electrical inspection, then this is part of the NEC.

Can you ask him for clarification, as you have plates? How hard is fixing those 3 holes?

 

[Hank11]

If you need an electrical inspection you have to pass it.

If not real difficult, re-pull those two wires into new holes.

Otherwise, drill new holes in the middle of the stud, shift the wires back and plug the old holes with wood and glue and/or sister a piece of 2x6 to support the stud.

 

[pcmeiners]

Reason I’m focused on this detail is that the structure is a barn and categorize as “agricultural” therefore, I do not need to meet building code. If I can show that this hole location issue is for building code then he’s gonna have to pass me because that’s outside of his jurisdiction for this building.

Novel idea...ask the inspector why he failed the inspection and for the fix.

It does not pay to inform the inspector that it not in his jurisdiction unless you want to be be more aggravated and need lots more work.

 

[yatg]

2017 NEC 300.4 (A)

(1) Bored Holes. In both exposed and concealed locations, where a cable- or raceway-type wiring method is installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or wood members, holes shall be bored so that the edge of the hole is not less than 32 mm (1-1 ∕4 in.) from the nearest edge of the wood member. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable or race‐ way shall be protected from penetration by screws or nails by a steel plate(s) or bushing(s), at least 1.6 mm (1 ∕16 in.) thick, and of appropriate length and width installed to cover the area of the wiring. Exception No. 1: Steel plates shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or elec‐ trical metallic tubing.
Exception No. 2: A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm ( 1 ∕16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

 

[TimberMan]

Novel idea...ask the inspector why he failed the inspection.

It does not pay to inform the inspector it not in his jurisdiction unless you want to be be more aggravated and need lots more work.

I have and am waiting on his feedback but in the meantime I want to understand if I need to change anything at all.

 

[PCustoms]

I wonder if it's the 3 plates, and not 1 continuous

 

[carcruse]

2017 NEC 300.4 (A)

(1) Bored Holes. In both exposed and concealed locations, where a cable- or raceway-type wiring method is installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or wood members, holes shall be bored so that the edge of the hole is not less than 32 mm (1-1 ∕4 in.) from the nearest edge of the wood member. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable or race‐ way shall be protected from penetration by screws or nails by a steel plate(s) or bushing(s), at least 1.6 mm (1 ∕16 in.) thick, and of appropriate length and width installed to cover the area of the wiring. Exception No. 1: Steel plates shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or elec‐ trical metallic tubing.
Exception No. 2: A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm ( 1 ∕16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

Based upon this: "Where this distance cannot be maintained", I'd say inspector is correct, it is part of his jurisdiction and in your case steel plates will not solve your problem. You could have maintained the required distance.

 

[mm08822]

Stud on the left only has 2 plates. Need a 3rd to cover lowest cable to comply with NEC. Yes you can get another nail plate on or replace the singles with triples.

Have him tell you which code section you failed for.

 

[carcruse]

Also, most Building Codes state no holes in wall studs shall be closer than 5/8" to the outer edge of the stud. Hard to tell from the pictures but you might just barely be ok there.

 

[TimberMan]

Also, most Building Codes state no holes in wall studs shall be closer than 5/8" to the outer edge of the stud. Hard to tell from the pictures but you might just barely be ok there.

That’s my hope since I don’t need to meet building code; only electric code.

 

[Tracs]

That’s my hope since I don’t need to meet building code; only electric code.

You are not wrong wanting to show that your work is correct and wanting clarification, but arguing to the inspector that the hole is 11/16" and not 5/8" from the face might not be the best course of action.

 

[Just_Steve]

And the AHJ's wonder why permits don't get pulled whenever possible. ************ inspectors.

 

[TimberMan]

You are not wrong wanting to show that your work is correct and wanting clarification, but arguing to the inspector that the hole is 11/16" and not 5/8" from the face might not be the best course of action.

Technically….”no less than 5/8” means that 5/8” is a pass since 5/8” is not less than 5/8”.

 

[PCustoms]

Technically….”no less than 5/8” means that 5/8” is a pass since 5/8” is not less than 5/8”.

You could have eyeballed the center of that stud, drilled 1 hole and put everything through it and you'd never have to argue with the inspector.

Why did you drill so close to outside?

 

[whateg01]

Novel idea...ask the inspector why he failed the inspection and for the fix.

It does not pay to inform the inspector that it not in his jurisdiction unless you want to be be more aggravated and need lots more work.

OP says because hope is less than 5/8" from edge of stud. Looks like a fail in the pic as well.

If it doesn't need to meet any code, why is there an inspection?

 

[whateg01]

Technically….”no less than 5/8” means that 5/8” is a pass since 5/8” is not less than 5/8”.

You can argue with the inspector all you want but it's like telling a chef his food ***** before he prepares your meal.

 

[TimberMan]

OP says because hope is less than 5/8" from edge of stud. Looks like a fail in the pic as well.

If it doesn't need to meet any code, why is there an inspection?

There are only inspections for trades: plumbing, electrical and mechanical… building code does not apply

 

[whateg01]

There are only inspections for trades: plumbing, electrical and mechanical… building code does not apply

Ok. So the electrical inspector failed you. If there's no need to meet NEC, why is there an inspection? Geez

 

[cmandp]

Hopefully he can clarify but to my understanding if they are protected by nail plates as you have, its a pass per the NEC.

I'd be polite but firm about it and reference the applicable code @yatg quoted above.

 

[kngelv]

It's pretty clear from the NEC that all of his holes are too close to the stud edge. The OP could have installed the holes per the code but chose not to do so. The nail plates are irrelevant according to the first part because he could have drilled them in the right place. The plates don't give you a pass on the first part. It's very clear the OP did not follow the code which is why he failed the inspection.

James

 

[BillK]

The obvious course of action would be to ask the inspector how he would prefer that you fix it. Then just do what he suggests. Questioning his decision is just going to make matters worse.

 

[ericm]

What's the fix? Sister in another stud and drill in the correct places?

 

[paulsomlo]

You could have eyeballed the center of that stud, drilled 1 hole and put everything through it and you'd never have to argue with the inspector.

Why did you drill so close to outside?

Exactly - once the inspector saw the holes that close to the edge of a 2x6, it immediately sent up a red flag.

 

[PCustoms]

Hopefully he can clarify but to my understanding if they are protected by nail plates as you have, its a pass per the NEC.

I'd be polite but firm about it and reference the applicable code @yatg quoted above.

Stud on the left only has 2 plates. Need a 3rd to cover lowest cable to comply with NEC.

 

[larry4406]

Do the plans call for 2x6 for structural reasons or just insulation depth?

Our houses are designed at 2x4 but we use 2x6 for insulation.