Question on wire run in attic

[bjochman]

Can i run wire across the top of trusses in non-storage area of attic, or do i need to drill holes thru trusses to run wire thru?

 

[pgreen]

I may be wrong, but I ran a lot of mine up high so it wouldn't interfere with insulation installation. Didn't blow any holes in the trusses, as I didn't want to weaken them.

 

[tcianci]

Dont drill any part of your trusses. That being said, I'm assuming that you are talking about pre-fabricated roof trusses constructed mainly out of 2x4 lumber, If you have a typical stick frame then that is more forgiving and I have seen them drilled before, but if it's just an attic, why bother.

 

[Red Green]

I have never seen a wire run through a truss in the attic. The ones I have seen have all been stapled to the top of the beam.

Warning: I am not an electrician. I don't know what the code is this is just what I have seen.

 

[terreneuve]

Would be best to nail 1x4 strapping on top of the truss then staple the wire on top of it
especially if your trusses are two feet apart.

 

[tfi racing]

Would be best to nail 1x4 strapping on top of the truss then staple the wire on top of it
especially if your trusses are two feet apart.

This is along the right track,do NOT drill the trusses,the cable should be run alongside the 1x4 not on top of it.The additional lumber is only required where there is more than 3 feet of attic space above it,it is not necessary to staple the wire laying on the bottom chord of the truss,in some parts it is actually not allowed.The rationale is to protect the wire from someone who may be walking around up there,we want to keep them off the cable and not stepping on staples that can pinch the cable.As always,your local rules may vary...

 

[Harm]

The strapping idea is a good one. Some places require it. In others, you can lay the wire across the top of joists or trusses with no staples. However, that only works in areas where the wire can't get stepped on, like near the edges of the attic. Also, you'll want to staple it down if you're near nailing plates or truss joints. That way the wire can't move into a fraying or pinching situation.

 

[z28snksknr]

I have a similar question:

In my attic, the wires are running perpendicular to the joists and laying on top of them. I would like to use the space for storage if possible. Can I put down plywood but leave a seam where the wires lay over the joists and just cover it with another strip of plywood? In other words, make a wire chase with plywood that would allow the wires to remain as is but still be covered?

Seems like it would be ok, but I'm more asking from a "code compliant" point of view.