My brother in-law is installing 6 recessed lights in their living room. In wanting to take a shortcut he is planning to run electrical wire (14/2) to the fixtures by notching the joists rather than cutting a round hole in the middle of them. So that the wire is tucked in between the drywall ceiling and the joists. I tried to tell him that is not safe but he thinks the notches are so small ( about the width and depth of 14/2 cable) that it is a none issue. What do you guys think?
I’ve seen this in wall studs but not on joists.
Replies
If he does this, make sure he uses steel nail plates to protect the wire from nails and screws when he repairs the drywall that was removed to run the wires. There is nothing wrong with his method, however, I would consider use of a d'versibit going through the light can hole if posible. These bits can save alot of time on repairing drywall. I have 3 in my arsenal, and can not imagine what a mess my last rewiring job would have been without them.
As long as he uses nailplates it should be cool.
Are the joists holding up anything besides the ceiling? Like the floor upstairs?
Yea, that was my thought too.
Normally they frown on notching joists because of the tensions on the wood. That;s the reason engineered joists have holes in the web. Hmmm, is he using joists (real)or manufactured, and just calling them joists?Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
Real joists. 2x8s.
They are holding the bedroom upstaris. The joists are 2x8 and i think 16" apart. He got the idea from seeing the joists in the basement near the outside walls notched to run cables.
IRC code.
View Image
Hey, Thatsa' nice. We should hear more from you.Forrest
Humm. Well I guess he was right after all and it jibs with what he saw in his basement too.
Thanks Araon for your response. Thank you all for your responses.
Merry Christmas!