QA

Question: How To Run Romex In Attic

Can you run Romex in attic?

It is 320.23 (A) which specifies the requirements for “Cables Run Across the Top of Floor Joists” – “In Accessible Attics”. Yes, you can run cable through bored holes in the joists if that’s what you prefer.

Can you staple Romex to roof rafters?

Most jurisdictions are not going to call out the romex stapled to underside of rafters or trusses. Protection only required near the entrance or walking surface if provided. Roy’s reference if for both AC cable and NM cable.

Does electrical wire in attic need to be in conduit?

No, conduit is NOT required in attics. Not unless conduit is required in your area. There are other factors involved in wiring in attic spaces, but your question is a bit too vague to go into that.

Can you run Romex in insulation?

When running Romex through garages, it is important that it is insulated to ensure that the wire doesn’t get damaged. As for the question of whether Romex can touch insulation or not, yes, it can.

How often should you staple Romex?

The clamps, staples, or braces holding a Romex cable shouldn’t be any further than 4.5 feet. However, we recommend stapling after every 2 feet, just to be sure. This is especially true when running a wire where you won’t have immediate access all the time.

Can you run electrical wire through ceiling joists?

Running electrical wire through the channel between ceiling joists is generally easiest. In addition, your light fixture may require mounting to a ceiling joist or to two short blocks nailed between the joists. Trace and mark the fixture hole and cut out with a drywall saw, utility knife or reciprocating saw.

How do you run wires through rafters?

The best way to run wires along ceiling joists is to use a running board, spacing the wires evenly with electrical staples. This is for running wires in the direction of the joists or perpendicular to them. If there is no space, you can bore holes in very specific places to run wires through.

Can you staple Romex to bottom of joists?

It is okay to staple Romex along the floor joists, provided you keep it at a safe distance from the edge. This will help you protect it from screws and nails and any critters that may be crawling along the edges – since that is where insects usually decide to burrow. You can also run Romex THORUGH floor joists.

Can Romex be used in crawl space?

If your crawl space is normally dry, you can use non-metallic wires such as Romex.

Can you lay insulation over electrical wires in attic?

Yes, you absolutely can. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Making sure that the insulation is of a fiberglass material will not only ensure a fireproof setup but also reduce airflow from the home through the attic.

Can I use PEX as conduit?

Don’t use PEX, it’s not rated for carrying electrical wires. You can get flexible metal conduit that’s way more flexible than PEX; or you can get PVC conduit that’s similar to PEX in flexibility and that you can seal from the elements. There is also a flexible plastic conduit that’s even more flexible than FMC.

What’s Romex?

Romex is the trade name for a type of electrical conductor with non-metallic sheathing that is commonly used as residential branch wiring. Romex™ is a common type of residential wiring that is categorized by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC).

Can you run Romex without conduit?

No, you can not run your Romex wiring in conduits. What you’re looking at in the code book is referring to THHN and other wiring, that while insulated with a single coat is not insulated with a second covering and bound to 2 or 3 other wires.

Can you touch Romex wire?

Your body can connect the wires if you touch both of them at the same time. Current will pass through your body.

Can Romex wire be exposed in a garage?

No, you cannot expose Romex wires or non-metallic sheath wires in the detached garage or anywhere. Because it’s not safe to expose it on the outside. Besides, it goes against the National Electrical Code or NEC.

How do you hide electrical cords in the middle of the room?

For cords that are still exposed, be sure you weight them down with a rubber cord cover (you can hide that further by applying contact paper, like wood-grain). Use baseboard clips or wall clips to affix cords to the wall or floor. It will help hide cords further and help eliminate tripping hazards.

How tight should Romex staples be?

Do not hammer in those cable staples too tight. They should be just enough to hold the cable in place, but not so tight as to pinch the cable. It may not look like the staple is damaging the conductors, and the problem may not present itself for a few years after installation, as was the case here.

Can you run multiple Romex wires together?

Short answer: No there is no limit to the number of wires that can be bunched together.

How far from a box must Romex be secured?

Article 336-18 stated that cable must be secured in place at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet (1.37 m) and within 12 inches (305 mm) from every cabinet, box, or fitting.

Can you run two wires through the same hole?

The Answer According to the National Electrical Code, you can have 4 12/2 nonmetallic sheathed cables through a single bored hole that is fire- or draft-stopped using thermal insulation, caulk, or sealing foam, or where proper spacing is not maintained for more that 24 in.