Is there a rule (“code” or “of thumb”) about the number of nm cables that can be fed through a hole in a stud? I can find nothing concrete in my NEC.
I’ve got a set of 1-1/2″ holes down the center of a 2×6 wall that I’d like to feed 2-14/3, 1-14/2 (all on the same 15a circuit), and possibly a 1-12/2 as well. The cables would have plenty of room in holes of this size. Might this raise a red flag as cable bundling or something else? I don’t want to derate. Seems silly to drill multiple sets of parallel holes for cables that are traveling to the same locations.
Thanks for the insight.
Best,
Andrew…
Replies
I'm sure one of the electricians will be along to answer more definitively, but Cauldwell's book (the recalled one) says:
"don't bundle groups of cable together for long runs...for instance for a bundle of 10 to 20 conductors (five to ten 12-2 w/g cables) a 12-gauge cable must be fused at 15 amps..."
Steve
Another disclaimer- not an electrician. But I do not believe that meets the definition of being bundled. For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
That's correct. I believe bundled is in close contact for 24". I'm no electrician either, but I've pulled three or four wires through a hole many times myself. Usually if I know it's going to be more than three I will drill a second set of holes just for ease of pulling.
Edited 1/24/2009 6:56 pm by mmoogie
It looks like this is a matter of interpretation (hair-splitting). Not sure what you guys think, but my arrangement seems more like "grouping" than "bundling".Some definitions at 520.2:BUNDLED: Cables or conductors that are physically tied, wrapped, taped or otherwise periodically bound together. GROUPED: Cables or conductors positioned adjacent to one another but not in continuous contact with each other.334.80: Where more than two NM cables containing two or more current-carrying conductors are bundled together and pass through wood framing that is to be fire or draft stopped using thermal insulation or sealing foam, the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance with table 310.15. (derated)I don't have insulation surrounding them in my case, so I guess this one does not apply.Andrew...
Required disclaimer: I am not an licensed electrician, but I frequently perform electrical work which is ultimately inspected.
I do not believe there is anything in the NEC which prohibits running as many cables through stud holes as will fit without damaging the outer sheath.
I believe the "bundling" derating requirements start after the cables have been "bundled" for a continuous run of 24" or more.
Your 1-1/2" holes have plenty of space.
Jim
"Seems silly to drill multiple sets of parallel holes for cables that are traveling to the same locations."
And yet that's exactly what electricians do.
But I'm sure you'd probably be fine.
What size framing are your 1 1/2" holes in? IIRC code doesn't allow holes for wire within
1 1/2" of stud face to protect cable from drywall fasteners ect. Sparkies around here limit
hole size to 1".
Edited 1/25/2009 1:04 am ET by WHILEWEREATIT
Sparkies around her limit hole size to 1".
did you really mean what ya said???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Obviously not from Texas.
guess not...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I obviously ment to say 1 '
they tend to be wide bodied models down yur way then????
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
IIRC code doesn't allow holes for wire within1 1/2" of stud face to protect cable from drywall fasteners ect
It's actually no less than 1 1/4" to face of stud. And the protective plates are cheap, if you don't get that 1 1/4"
Although these guys are going to say the hole should be as close as possible to the stud's face, at least at the start...
k
The 1-1/2 holes are in 2x6 studs, so there is still 2" of wood on either side of the hole.Thanks.Andrew