Acceptable per NEC Art. 300.4 (D)?

Poll created by stevedangerfield on Apr 12, 2018

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Pictures depict an acceptable installation.
0
Pictures depict an unacceptable installation. Cable must be moved or nailing plates must be installed on stud nailing surface wherever cable is within 1-1/4" of nailing surface.
1
Pictures depict an unacceptable installation. Cable must be moved or physical protection/barrier must be installed to protect from angled or direct nail or screw penetration wherever cable is within 1-1/4" of nailing surface.
1

7 Comments

chiefns830 Apr 12, 2018 8:02 PM
Do I get a new license if I answer correctly?
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- stevedangerfield @ chiefns830 on Apr 13, 2018 11:07 AM
  Absolutely! As for which new license you'll get, we might need another poll :-)
  
  BTW, now seeing how these pictures posted, hopefully all recognize that there are two separate pictures rather than one very confusing one. I have more pictures I could share but basically just wanted to gauge how this code article is being interpreted by most people. My interpretation is that the cable(s) need to be moved to where they're 1-1/4" from the nailing surface of the stud, even if that means they can't be stapled in contact with the stud (e.g. may call for use of stack-it type or similar cable management products, which also provide some spacing to possibly avoid ampacity adjustments when multiple cables/conductors are involved), OR the cable has to be protected along the entire length where the 1-1/4" can't be maintained, and that protection would need to extend past the nailing surface of the stud. Now that's my read, but from what I've seen, that's not the way everyone interprets it.
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chiefns830 Apr 13, 2018 11:48 AM
I'm just going to post the answer here because code enforcement isn't necessarily based on consensus. I mean - people are free to have the incorrect interpretation - that doesn't necessarily make it right.

The pictures depict a code violation. It is black and white. It is not grey. Some AHJ's will let this go though I know not why. The installation doesn't meet code. The contractor can leave nail plates half-hanging off the stud, for the entire length of the run, such that the wire is protected. Or, the contractor can use standoffs. Personally - when I had my company and I was wiring homes, I would always use standoffs. It's quick, easy, and cheap to do. There isn't a good reason, IMHO, to allow this violation (to "let it go").

I'd be interested to hear the justification of why this is being allowed; I love to read fiction. The AHJs that allow this are probably weak in enforcement (overall), or they have a building official that just doesn't grasp anything to do with the electrical codes.

Now about that new license...
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- stevedangerfield @ chiefns830 on Apr 13, 2018 1:08 PM
  The AHJ in this particular case agrees that this is a violation. When these type things are observed post 'Pass' inspections, I think it's more a matter of being missed, vice being allowed by inspectors. Since, as you point out, it's quick, easy, and cheap to be compliant in this area, I'm left with wondering if some contractors (or practitioners of whatever sort) just aren't aware, or are misinterpreting the requirements. Most disconcerting is that when pointed out, some will claim that since the job passed inspection, it meets code and their responsibility has shifted to the inspectors office/ AHJ, essentially absolving them of any further accountability in the event of future issues. This is a dangerous mindset.
  
  Still thinking about that new license. That aside though, I think our discussion may have now sabotaged my poll!
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chiefns830 Apr 13, 2018 1:14 PM
I think that they know. Some contractors resent changing their old ways. I was never like that. If the inspector told me to jump, I'd ask him, "How high?" It's a human nature thing, and I've still not got it all quite figured out.
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chiefns830 Apr 13, 2018 3:58 PM
PS - Sorry, I did not realize we were not supposed to comment and that it was only a poll.
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- stevedangerfield @ chiefns830 on Apr 13, 2018 4:14 PM
  Not a problem at all. I very much appreciate your input. And I welcome all comments, whether by vote or directly here in the comment section ...or both!
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Acceptable per NEC Art. 300.4 (D)?

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