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Can you drill through a laminated beam to run an electrical line? I need to run a 12/2 wire.
Drill through laminated beam
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AA7483
Well-known member
Probably fine if you stay out of the middle 1/3. Wouldn't hurt to contact the manufacturer though.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
No other way? Fish around, conduit, another route?
ez-duzit
Well-known member
No! Just the opposite is true. You can drill into the center, but stay away from the extreme fibers.
AA7483
Well-known member
That's what I meant to say. Brain isn't working tonight
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
General rule of thumb for all beams. Of course the size of the whole in relation to the size of the beam matters !
Trey T
Well-known member
Yes, generally, it's normal to put a hole thru a beam for the 12/2 line. It's more encouraged to drill through laminated beams than typical lumber because typical lumber have classifications (due to their irregularities in the grain structure).
If my suggestion doesn't provide enough confidence, you're just over thinking it.
If my suggestion doesn't provide enough confidence, you're just over thinking it.
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Wrong.
Trey T
Well-known member
^he did say "general" which makes his statement true ... lol
ez-duzit
Well-known member
His statement is false. You can drill in the center, but not the edges.
AA7483
Well-known member
Look what I started!alfredeneuman
Well-known member
It's true for standard dimensional lumber, but not for manufactured beams, such as TJIs (which have knockouts in the correct locations) or gluelams.
It's best to contact the manufacturer if you have any questions, NOT here.
It's best to contact the manufacturer if you have any questions, NOT here.
BreeStephany
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Gluelam / engineered beam, solid beam or stacked dimensional beam? Would you be drilling horizontally through the web of the beam or vertically through the beam?
Generally, for engineered lumber, its best to consult the engineer that spec'ed the beam when at all possible. If you are doing your own engineering, and plan on drilling vertically for a light to be centered in the beam, etc., take the size of the hole and the box recess, if applicable, into consideration when sizing your beam.
Generally, for engineered lumber, its best to consult the engineer that spec'ed the beam when at all possible. If you are doing your own engineering, and plan on drilling vertically for a light to be centered in the beam, etc., take the size of the hole and the box recess, if applicable, into consideration when sizing your beam.
ez-duzit
Well-known member
It is not true for any beam.