Running multiple circuits through stud (50A and 20A, 6/2 and 12/2)

[5mall5nail5]

Hey guys - so tomorrow I am going to bore the holes through my wooden studs and start running my electrical boxes. I am doing a circuit of 20A and a single receptacle for 50A (using 6/2) 240v outlet. There is a point where the 50A and 20A receptacles will be within the same stud cavity, so there would be like 3 - 4 studs that they would pass through in common.

Is there any code or guidance on passing conductors through the same hole? Can anyone fill me in on this or would it just be better to run them several inches apart in 2 different holes?

 

[MrMark]

I would drill several holes just because the one hole you would have to drill would be pretty large to get the 6 through and even bigger if it needed to accept additional cable(s).

Limit hole sizes when possible and keep it cleaner by separating the runs would be my advice.

There is no code on this I know of other than no bored holes within 1 1/4" of stud edge or you will have to use nailplates.

 

[5mall5nail5]

Yeah I am going to use nail plates either way just in case

 

[megalo]

My inspector said one cable per hole.

 

[Highbeam]

My inspector said one cable per hole.

He was shooting from the hip and making this up. Not a rule.

 

[Joe G.]

He was shooting from the hip and making this up. Not a rule.

True. Just finished new house this summer and know for a fact that it passed multiple inspections with more than one cable per hole in a stud.

 

[5mall5nail5]

I read something about the ampacity being decreased if pushing multiple wires through the same hole. I might just play it safe...

 

[sparky36000]

I believe you treat it like conductors in a raceway. More than three current carrying conductors, you have to start derating.

 

[CNGsaves]

My inspector said one cable per hole.

That's just his personal preference. Ask his wife if SHE has other ideas ??

Speaking of the Inspector's wife, go ahead and bang her !! . .

 

[Speedy Petey]

My inspector said one cable per hole.

And you believed him?

 

[bmwpower]

As a general rule, if they fit in the hole and have room to move, you should be good. Think about all the home run circuits coming to a panel. Does each separate wire have to go through a separate hole? With some panels having 40 circuits, all those holes would exceed the surface area of the top plate.

 

[5mall5nail5]

As a general rule, if they fit in the hole and have room to move, you should be good. Think about all the home run circuits coming to a panel. Does each separate wire have to go through a separate hole? With some panels having 40 circuits, all those holes would exceed the surface area of the top plate.

True and I imagine the studs structure would be suspect if it was swiss cheesed with 40 holes lol

 

[megalo]

And you believed him?

No, but I needed his signature. Inspector is always right and all that...

I wasn't too happy to have to redo a couple branches.

 

[Speedy Petey]

No, but I needed his signature. Inspector is always right and all that...

Well unfortunately it's mentalities like this that perpetuate power-mad inspectors. If you don't question them once in a while they think they can make up the rules.
He CANNOT deny you his signature if he can't show you the rule in the code book.