How To Run Romex In Attic

A favorite target of electrical inspectors is the improper use of non metallic cable nm in exposed locations such as basement foundation walls or along the face of studs and joists in unfinished framed spaces.

How to run romex in attic.

Ultimately for type nm romex this is directly referenced in the 2011 nec 334 23 but only points you to comply with 320 23 type ac as does 330 23 type mc. The simple way to protect the cables is to run 1x2 or larger wood guard strips on both sides of the cable as shown in the diagram below. You must protect all cables running perpendicular and atop the joists. Running romex in the attic no problem pulling the wires or installing the new circuits but i have some questions once i get it into the attic.

Attics with permanent access stairs ladder. You must protect cables located within 6 of the attic access hole. As i m doing some rewiring and have a large amount of leftover nm romex cable i was wondering if i can run that just sitting on top of and secured to the joists in the attic like the current armored cable is. Plastic boxes and flexible nonmetallic cable commonly called romex put electrical wiring projects within the skill range of every dedicated diyer.

Climb through the attic access using a ladder if necessary and look into the attic space. What is the preferred and legal way of running the romex across the attic to where i m going to install a utility light whole house fan circuit the fan will sit about center of the attic. A pull down attic ladder does not count. We won t cover many other house wiring details.

All other attics need protection within 6 feet of the attic opening and this is the typical situation. The national electrical code which is the basis for all local building codes has specific regulations for installing electrical wires so that they are protected from damage.