I asked this question last week and got no replies so I’ll try to be less wordy:
Can I run 12/2 romex between concrete block and drywall with the drywall separated by only 1 X furring? If not, is 2 X furring acceptable? If I recall, 1 1/4″ spacing between the wiring and the drywall is required if the romex is unprotected.
If I go with the 1 X furring, would 12/2 Aluminum-Clad MC be considered protected?
Thanks!
Edited 4/21/2007 10:10 am ET by gjferg
Replies
I would advise 2x4 spacing or run wires in conduit.
You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
I think the issue is when you run the romex through a hole in a stud. Someone is likely to come along later and try to fasten to the stud. If the romex is loose (not confined in a drilled hole, eg) then even if a fastener misses the stud it's likely to just push the romex aside.
In any event, I've certainly seen a fair amount of romex behind 1x firred walls.
My personal opinion is that Al armored isn't significantly more puncture resistant than romex. It's one advantage in this situation is that it's a bit more likely to get pushed aside by a wayward fastener.
But those are my opinions, not code.
I agree with you with the same warning.Code does require that the cable be run 1 1/4" from a nailing surface.And we have had discussions in the past about whether NM could be run across the bottom surface of joist when the joists are furred out and the DW attached to the strapping. The NEC handbook clearly shows a drawing show that if the NM is run 1 1/24" from the edge of the strapping that it is OK.The other part of the question is the use of NM againts a concrete block sturcture."334.10 Uses Permitted
...(B) Type NMC Type NMC cable shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For both exposed and concealed work in dry, moist, damp, or corrosive locations,
except as prohibited by 334.10(3)
(2) In outside and inside walls of masonry block or tile
(3) In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, or adobe protected against nails or
screws by a steel plate at least 1.59 mm ( 1/ 16 in.) thick and covered with plaster,
adobe, or similar finish"And from the handbook."Type NMC (corrosion-resistant) cable is required for installation in dairy barns and
similar farm buildings (see Article 547), where cable will be exposed to fumes, vapors,
or liquids such as ammonia and barnyard acids. Under such circumstances, ordinary
types of nonmetallic-sheathed cable have in some cases deteriorated rapidly due to
ammonia fumes or the growth of fungus or mold.""334.12 Uses Not Permitted
...
(B) Types NM and NMS Types NM and NMS cables shall not be used under the
following conditions or in the following locations:
(1) Where exposed to corrosive fumes or vapors
(2) Where embedded in masonry, concrete, adobe, fill, or plaster
(3) In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, or adobe and covered with plaster,
adobe, or similar finish
(4) Where exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness"My SPECULATION that if DW is being used then the area does not have the conditions that require NMC. BTW, I have never read of NMC except in the code..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.