Is this ok? One staple for 2 nm
- Thread starter PoorOwner
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zmaxmotorsports
Well-known member
You'll be fine,just don't pinch them. I normally just use the metal staples.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
ever heard of standoffs??
CJ7VFR
Well-known member
They make the same plastic staple that has deeper "legs" for putting two sets of cables under it. You can get them at any big box store like Home Depot or Lowes or even Walmart.
You could use the one you have shown, but why, when there is one that is made specifically for what you want to do. Don't take the chance of pinching the cables. Use the correct staple.
It will look better also if you use the right ones.
Jim
You could use the one you have shown, but why, when there is one that is made specifically for what you want to do. Don't take the chance of pinching the cables. Use the correct staple.
It will look better also if you use the right ones.
Jim
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lakeroadster
Well-known member
As long as there are 3 or less romex cables it is ok.
I created this a while back after asking a similar questions as the OP..
I created this a while back after asking a similar questions as the OP..
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Thanks. I found some metal ones in my garage so will be using it for that.
I just drive them so they touch the jacket, not to complete pinch it against the wood.
I love the plastic ones though they don't bend over and are easier to install in tight spots.
I just drive them so they touch the jacket, not to complete pinch it against the wood.
I love the plastic ones though they don't bend over and are easier to install in tight spots.
zmaxmotorsports
Well-known member
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Kind of overkill for 2 wires.
Just an example.
Theres smaller versions as u know
zmaxmotorsports
Well-known member
I've never had an inspector complain about 2 wires under a staple.
Fishingfoolemjak
Well-known member
You can put as many wires as the staple will effectively hold... (plastic is usually one, and plastic ones are not that good.) metal staples are better and will only hold 2 12/2's as you are asking about. It is best to not staple more than 2 12/2's or 3 14/2's together, most inspectors start to scream about bundling....
The table above is referencing "current carrying conductors". Be sure that you understand that the table above is for conduit or raceways, not open air or studs. The code is very specific and does not leave much room for interpretation.....
To answer your initial question: yes, one staple is fine for 2 12/2 wires, if the staple will hold it.
The table above is referencing "current carrying conductors". Be sure that you understand that the table above is for conduit or raceways, not open air or studs. The code is very specific and does not leave much room for interpretation.....
To answer your initial question: yes, one staple is fine for 2 12/2 wires, if the staple will hold it.
acer66
Well-known member
Correct me if I am wrong but is NM not a cable and does the table not say raceway or cable?
lakeroadster
Well-known member
Actually it does also apply to open air conductors...
310.15(B)(3)(a):
"Where the number of current carrying conductors in a cable or raceway exceeds three or where single conductors or multiconductor cables are installed without maintaining spacing for a continuous length exceeding 600mm (24 in.) and are not installed in raceways, the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be reduced as shown in table 310.15(B)(3)(a).
Each current carrying conductor of a paralleled set of conductors shall be counted as a current carrying conductor."
Fishingfoolemjak
Well-known member
You are talking about deration, not fastening...
You need to make sure we are taking into account that 2 of the 3 wires in the cable are current carrying. But as far as the table, I wouldn't use it for deciding how many Romex wires I can fasten together...
You need to make sure we are taking into account that 2 of the 3 wires in the cable are current carrying. But as far as the table, I wouldn't use it for deciding how many Romex wires I can fasten together...
lakeroadster
Well-known member
The table is based on proper spacing of the cables, NM is a multiconductor cable. If the cables are too close to each other, as defined by the table, then they are to be de-rated, as specified by the table.
The two topics, re-rating and fastening, go hand in hand.
The OP of this thread has bundled 2 cables, which is acceptable. More than 3 would not be acceptable.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Where I live the local city code won't let you use metal staples, you have to use the plastic ones like in the first picture. They make different sizes for multiple wires & different gauges. Honestly the ones you pictured will be fine, if you are OCD you can go to HD/Lowes and get the taller ones.
Fishingfoolemjak
Well-known member
Ok. It may go hand in hand, but one is different than the other. And the table above does not answer the op question, it tells what percentage to derate, therefore is not applicable to the question.
lakeroadster
Well-known member
It is applicable. If more than 3 wires are bundled together they must be derated.
He is bundling 2 wires. Therefore it is ok-as-is.
Are the staples listed for 2 pieces of NM? Most are from what I know but the inspector could be a **** and say show me
zmaxmotorsports
Well-known member
Nope,I'd tell him to show me where I can't do it.
I've been doing this a long time,inspectors don't get to make up rules with me.
I keep the chief electrical inspector/chief plumbing inspector and chief mechanical inspectors phone number on my phone for every town I do work in.
How is he making up rules if the staple is rated for one piece of NM?
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
^^^ exactly.
If listed for one cable and its holding down 2 then thats a violation of the listing.
If listed for one cable and its holding down 2 then thats a violation of the listing.
Fishingfoolemjak
Well-known member
He is ok... however you are still wrong. The table is for deration, not for conductor count. Also, it is only applicable to a certain number of sizes of wire ( not all are the same deration percentage).
Fishingfoolemjak
Well-known member
310.15(B)(2)a is for ambient air temp correction anyways. This one table is just a small look at a LARGE electrical picture. You would need to use this table in conjunction with other tables/information to come to a realistic logical conclusion. Using just this table as an end all/ be all, is like looking at a snapshot of Florida and saying you know what Alaska looks like because it is a picture of terra firma.... I'm not trying to be rude, I just think you should know that more information has to be on hand, and that this table has nothing to do with it. Also, what code cycle is this table from, it doesn't match my code book...(granted, I only have the '11 book handy)
Look at 334.30, there's your strapping answer...
Look at 334.30, there's your strapping answer...
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