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Wiring in a Superior Wall

E

Ed-in-PA

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2011
Messages
5
A code official is saying that the basement wiring that is running through the precast chase holes provided in Superior Walls studs in an unfinished unoccupied basement need to be covered with drywall or we have to put PVC sleeves on the wires or otherwise block around the wires to prevent anyone from leaning material against them.

This has never been required before as far as I know.

Is this a code requirement for wiring to be protected like this?
 
If it is Type NM, NMS, or NMC wiring, then it is required to be protected.

334.15 Exposed Work. In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).

(C) In Unfinished Basements and Crawl Spaces. Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductors directly to the lower edges of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on running boards. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable installed on the wall of an unfinished basement shall be permitted to be installed in a listed conduit or tubing or shall be protected in accordance with 300.4. Conduit or tubing shall be provided with a suitable insulating bushing or adapter at the point the cable enters the raceway. The sheath of the nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall extend through the conduit or tubing and into the outlet or device box not less than 6 mm (1⁄4 in.). The cable shall be secured within 300 mm (12 in.) of the point where the cable enters the conduit or tubing. Metal conduit, tubing, and metal outlet boxes shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor complying with the provisions of 250.86 and 250.148.​
 
Ty J. said:
If it is Type NM, NMS, or NMC wiring, then it is required to be protected.

334.15 Exposed Work. In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).

(C) In Unfinished Basements and Crawl Spaces. Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductors directly to the lower edges of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on running boards. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable installed on the wall of an unfinished basement shall be permitted to be installed in a listed conduit or tubing or shall be protected in accordance with 300.4. Conduit or tubing shall be provided with a suitable insulating bushing or adapter at the point the cable enters the raceway. The sheath of the nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall extend through the conduit or tubing and into the outlet or device box not less than 6 mm (1⁄4 in.). The cable shall be secured within 300 mm (12 in.) of the point where the cable enters the conduit or tubing. Metal conduit, tubing, and metal outlet boxes shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor complying with the provisions of 250.86 and 250.148.​
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Thanks. That is what I was looking for. I appreciate you taking the time to answer.
 
Could you rip plywood into 6” wide strips and nail it to the face of the studs over the wiring to act as a barrier? If the code official only wants to protect the wiring from “leaning” damages that should work.
 
Superior Walls are lined with a foam that is supposedly allowed to be left exposed, even in a basement. There are not many foam products that are allowed to be exposed. OK that is another story.

Anyway, if the inspector feels as though the NM cable is subject to physical damage, that is his/her call and compliance will be required.
 
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