jaker10
Well-known member
Just started to wire my 30x48 post frame. Is it ok to drill a hole through the 6X6 posts to run a wire?
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Drilling hole in post frame
- Thread starter jaker10
- Start date
pattenp
Well-known member
Absolutely within reason. Just don't drill a 5 inch hole. You drill holes through 2X4 studs to run wire in standard frame wall.
pattenp
Well-known member
I'm no expert on post and beam structures, but on post I don't see an issue. Beams are a different animal and you need to be careful about the size of holes and where on the beams they are drilled.
matt151617
Well-known member
A 1/2" hole is usually big enough for basic 12 or 14 gauge NM.
Bib Overalls
Well-known member
Drill in the center third and no bigger than required for the cable you are passing through.
The rule of thumb is that you can drill a hole one third the size of the beam or post without compromising the strength. Bigger if the beam has flanges. But that sort of drilling needs to be engineered.
The rule of thumb is that you can drill a hole one third the size of the beam or post without compromising the strength. Bigger if the beam has flanges. But that sort of drilling needs to be engineered.
Highbeam
Well-known member
I would not drill through the posts of the pole barn.
Not sure you can really call a pole barn "post and beam" construction since that has a very historic meaning that is not the same as a pole barn.
I've decided to either run the wires behind the posts in the space between the siding and the post, or to do separate drops for each "bay" or every other bay. Those poles do a pretty important job.
Not sure you can really call a pole barn "post and beam" construction since that has a very historic meaning that is not the same as a pole barn.
I've decided to either run the wires behind the posts in the space between the siding and the post, or to do separate drops for each "bay" or every other bay. Those poles do a pretty important job.
6768rogues
Banned
I agree with Bib Overalls. Keep your holes in the middle third of the member and keep them small and spaced apart. The top of the beam will be in compression and the bottom is in tension, so you do not want to cut either the top or bottom third. The center is keeping the top and bottom in place but is neutral to tension and compression, so drill the center.
Highbeam
Well-known member
He has no beams, just posts. Same theories apply though.