How to best run branch circuits? Through studs or up and back down again?

[exactly]

The walls in my attached, two-car garage are open right now, but I will be insulating and drywalling as soon as I get all wiring and receptacles installed and inspected. I am fundamentally going to run two 120V branch circuits and two 240V branch circuits around my three walls (the fourth 22' wall has a 16' garage door in it).

My primary question is do I go side-to-side and through the studs, or do I go up, through the top plate, over three studs (I will be spacing receptacles roughly 4' apart), then back down to the next receptacle? If it makes a difference, my area is on NEC 2017, though 2020 is pending adoption.

Additionally, if going side-to-side from one stud to the next, is there a limit on corners? I ask because there is a 2x4' 'bump in' in the garage from an interior front entry closet. The subpanel will be located here (on the garage side, not the closet side). Going either to the left or to the right will require two additional corners (one inside and one outside) to get to the main walls. Fortunately, the framing is all 2x6 for the shared garage-house walls. Exterior walls are 2x4, however.

Finally, would I use one hole for each wire, or multiple? Should I use those metal plates as well?

Attached is a basic 3D model of my garage with proposed subpanel and receptacle locations. I opened up my basement ceiling over the weekend so I can run the subpanel feeder.

 

[JeepJohn62]

I can't quote the code. But I believe either is fine as long as the wire is fastened at intervals.

Whatever is easiest is probably the best. The top plate is doubled which is harder to drill and extends the length of the runs in most cases.

I think I ran mine over the top to the opposite wall and then ran thru the wall to multiple outlets. It seemed the most efficient at the time.

John

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[JeepJohn62]

A 3/4" hole will pass several runs of 12/2 romex. The metal plates help protect screws or nails from passing thru to the wire.

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[rlitman]

A 3/4" hole will pass several runs of 12/2 romex. The metal plates help protect screws or nails from passing thru to the wire.

The metal plate shouldn't be necessary if the Romex is run through the center of the stud. That's only required if it's within reach of sheetrock screws.

I usually use a 5/8" hole for a single Romex cable, but 3/4" will do too.

 

[dave*99]

Drilling and going through the studs will save a lot of wire and ladder work. You won't need the steel plates if you go through the middle of the studs. Mark a horizontal line about a foot above the boxes and drill away.

 

[Terry D]

If you are drywalling it, then across the studs is fine. If not, i would go up the stud to the rop plate and down the next. Check with your local codes, that is the way we have to do it here. We also are only allowed one romex per hole, but thats just here, i realize alot of areas are not like that

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