ROMEX Cable Supports Requirements (2024)

In this video I will go over everything you need to know about ROMEX Cable Supports so you get it right the first time. Need a cool work station like mine? Try FlexiSpot!
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[@BackyardMaine]

Need a cool work station like mine? Try FlexiSpot! 🌟 Use my code “24BDYTB50” for extra $50 off on the E7 Plus Desk! Trust me, it's a rare treat! FlexiSpot E7 Plus Standing Desk: bit.ly/4aM11Dg (US) FlexiSpot E7 Plus Standing Desk: bit.ly/4c6iasg (CAN)

[@jimb9459]

Thank you

[@stphnalln]

I wish everyone on KZbin could explain things as clearly and succinctly as this man.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you!

[@loganmartin1682]

Seriously I don’t even have electrician skill I’d hire anyone for anything hard but I still love this guy’s videos. Keep on explaining!

[@erickrosito3659]

I am glad he didn’t use the word succinctly in his explanation

[@DoubleDoubleWithOnions]

My head is spinning. But I think I got it. I'll watch it again tomorrow.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

John, your channel is like an online electrician course. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!

[@BackyardMaine]

Wow, thanks Ed! Very much appreciated my friend.

[@BryanTorok]

Thank for removing the confusion. Again, a video very cleanly done without any extra fumbling around and no repetition and respectful of my time. Thank you.

[@Bob.W.]

Subscribed. Clear presentation. Thx. I worked as an apprentice electrician for Lymburner Electric, Bar Harbor, Maine in 1972. Enjoyed working on those fancy estates.

[@jackpestaner6925]

Excellent review, I may still fail my first rough-in inspection, but at least not because of cable stapling. Almost finished with a complete rewire to current code of my 2500 sq ft 100 year house that had functioning knob and tube. Really appreciate your videos, thank you.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! I love being able to share my experience now that I'm retired. Thanks for watching.

[@joedelucia6719]

Dude! You explain this stuff so well.

[@davefoc]

This was a very useful video that covered a lot of areas where I had only a rough idea of what the rules were. Thank you.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.. Thanks for watching.

[@nukiepoo]

Yes you can have service loops at 1-gang NM boxes w/o clamps: you can leave a loop with a staple right next to the box opening. If you ever need that service loop slack, just remove the box and that staple is right there for easy removal. Oftentimes, we have need to convert a single gang switch box into 2, 3 or even 4 gang -such as for Lutron RadioRa devices. We prefer Allied's fiberglass box because they're easy to break out with a long nose pliers and the device holes are factory threaded unlike many PVC boxes. Started in the trade in 1975 been in business for over 25yrs. You and I are brothers in the trade

[@BackyardMaine]

There is minimal bending radius to consider if the staple is close to the box.

[@doug8718]

Excellent videos! I like that you are brief and concise...no time-wasting rambling. This illustrates how the NEC can be a little complicated. Requirements are spread in different areas.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thanks you.

[@IncendiaDivinus]

!! Some people were meant to teach . You sir , are one of them . Stay safe !! Thank you for the information.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you!

[@thomasglessner6067]

Love the bonus romex tips. Always good to hear the code from different people. Thanks for ypur efforts.

[@GoCoyote]

This was a better lesson than what I got in my apprenticeship.

[@markusallport1276]

My ex-boss was a cheap fu... he would get the cheapest supplies imaginable. We always followed code regardless of the crap we had to work with, and only 3 times did we fail inspection. There were 16 guys on our team, but one guy always decided to do stuff his way and got us ding'ed all three times. We hardly ever secured cables (romex), within 8 inches of the box, it was more closer to 6" and we never had an issue with that. Clamp in the box or not, 6" was our max for a staple.

[@nooneyouknowhere6148]

I started in 1981. I do not remember anyone even thinking about "service loops" until i started watching these youtube videos. Is that really a thing in some parts of the country? I have never experienced a situation where i wished i had a service loop. The idea has always been, keep the wire neat and out of the way of insulation etc.

[@BackyardMaine]

It isn’t a thing around here. ME, NH, VT, MA. But I hear that it is in the south. I have never left a service loop unless I knew something may need to be moved.

[@ronblack7870]

it's probably a reaction to having to do work on old boxes that were installed 40 yrs ago that have only 3 inches of wire so it's really hard to work in them. so people think well for the future electrician working in this box i will leave extra service loop. only reason i can think is if the outlet burns up and wires need to be cut back it would be good if there was an extra 6 inches in the wall.

[@paaao]

Service loops are for handymen, DIYers, and slack jawed yokels. The NEC states this pretty clearly. You just have to read 16 different sections of the code and cross reference them like a crossword puzzle.

[@1djbecker]

Much of the reasoning behind leaving a service loop has been obsoleted by Wago and Ideal connectors. You can snap three Wago Lever-Nuts on a cable with only 1" of wire extending. The 'splice' style takes only about 3/4", but I don't think any are UL approved at this time.

[@SaltMinerOU812]

​@@BackyardMaineprobably the best places for those would be like ceiling lights I would think especially of the suspended ceiling variety

[@StealthMode139]

Ty always like to keep up with the new codes and technology. ET's never stop learning.

[@SaltMinerOU812]

Cool I roughed in my new basement room and the only mistake I made is using blue staples for double wire. so I'll change them up to the longer red ones and everything's good. Also good to know about being able to put two Romex in one of the openings of the box I think it'll be a neater look

[@weloveups831]

This channel is awesome. Info is given in a straight forward way, without a lot of wasted words.😊

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you so much.. I have another video going live tomorrow about a very little know method of wiring 3-way switched.

[@snort455]

Great stuff. Gracias. Keep in mind, none of this matters unless you like to do the job right.

[@crschoen123]

So clear! Very helpful!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@robmenzies862]

in Ontario you are not allowed to put more than one cable under a support clamp. Also, service loops are manditory.

[@Yummyfudge]

Thanks for the content, especially for digging into the code and clearly explaining it. I actually paused the video and pulled out my codebook to see if I could figure out the code violation on my own before you explained it in detail. No, I didn't figure it out on my own, but I did run down "messenger-supported wiring". Learned something new! Also... the 2023 code does make some very minor changes to 314.17, but most jurisdictions are still yet to adopt it so :shrug:

[@Icehso140]

Funny thing...a service loop using a metal cable clamp to a metal box makes no sense. You can't get to the screws to loosen the clamp if you need to pull more. This is why we have so many changes to the NEC and why I have to spend 15 hours every 3 years in code updates. But hey...the pizza is free at our union hall. LOL

[@BackyardMaine]

Yup the dreaded code update. I took mine back Feb of 2023. I'm so early I sometimes have a hard time getting the new book. I was IBEW for about 10 years before I moved into electrical engineering. I still keep up my license though. I use an online update through Jade electrical education. I love it. I just plug away at it for a few days and it's done.

[@BetterHouseProject]

But it does make sense for the plastic boxes with moulded-in clamps, and that's probably most of the residential installs these days.

[@Concerned_Citizen111]

I don’t like nail-on boxes. They’re ok for smoke-detectors and maybe switches, but definitely not for receptacles. They can become loose over years of constant use.

[@Iamdebug]

Informative with all the gotchas, thanks for the explanation, I just ran ceiling lights to a quad gang control box in the attic, while it sounds like the ceiling light boxes don't need secured due to running straight in to the support trussing the control box the cable runs in to need to be secured on that end as well as at the box which it is.

[@johnnyprotalk3352]

nice desk, thanks for information

[@BackyardMaine]

Most welcome.. I love it..

[@northidahodreaming5657]

good information....Thanks for this video

[@wookieecantina]

Wonderful video, thank you for creating and sharing.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@fritzmiller9792]

Great video John. Best one I have seen yet of the dozen or so I have watched. I am probably a little giddy that you proved service loops are not legal (except of course when clamped and not over the 18" length maximum). I think service loops defeat the purpose of securing cables as the cable can accidentally be rolled out of the wall before or during the final enclosure of the wall. It's also very wasteful with only a incredibly slim chance of ever being used to 'save' time ( but that's another entire discussion). Bottom line, the service loops I have seen installed are almost ALL noncompliant. 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you my friend.. I don't like them either. The big round loops you will see similar to the one I made in the video are always a code violation. The code change adding the 18" maximum cable came in the 2020 update. I think or it could have been the 2017. I'm sure it was made to limit service loops. I have another video going live this evening on a not so common method of wiring three way switches. Thanks for dropping by..

[@vince6829]

Very helpful video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure!

[@stephanpetranker8994]

Excellent review. Ty

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.. Thanks for watching.

[@aubreyroche5080]

Yeah, long time Electrician here too... Ha.. Some of the best times were doing custom Homes... Now I'm all Industrial... My Trade has been good to me.

[@JM-iz3fr]

Awsome video John, great to have the summary, a true teacher! You mentioned the plastic boxes and the code compliance, what about metal boxes, does what you just went over vary??

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you my friend. Metal boxes will have a built in cable clamp or knock outs where you would install a ROMEX connector. All metal boxes require a clamp. The requirement of within 8 inches is for single gang non metallic boxes without a clamp.

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

Apparently the code varies across the country or the ordinances can have requirements above the minimum requirements in the code, for instance in Houston we cannot stack Romex on top of each other we have to use stacking blocks or brace between the studs and secure individually.

[@patmcbride9853]

Thank you! I am going to run some 4/3 romex and didn't know if the rubber lined cable clamps that are attached with screws would be acceptable and don't want to be using large staples.

[@thardyryll]

Wow. Next time I have $700 and nothing to spend it on I will think about that desk. Briefly.

[@markniblack7160]

Great explanation

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you.

[@shaneharrison9609]

How have we not figured out the right way to put this stuff in by now.

[@jackl9922]

I enjoy your videos. I’m not licensed, trained from people who are and DIY. Passed main panel replacement. However, I’ve made a few mistakes learn later on code compliance, but not concerned enough to go back since think safe. Since I am not licensed, I will not do for others. Fear liability.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you..

[@Satchmoeddie]

Our local variances are actually tighter than the NEC's for a change. We have to staple NM cable within 6 inches of a box or fixture. No clue why until now. Rather than explaining no clamp boxes they just went with 6 inches for everything.

[@ROSS4422]

Thank you.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

Apparently, in my house the rule was "If you have staples left in the box, you haven't used enough". But there are only the bare minimum number of receptacles. I know because I was trying to add some.

[@aspensulphate]

"Trying"? Hmm...

[@502deth]

question on wire support. lets say we have a situation near a main panel, where you have a space between studs that has SEVERAL wires running back to the box. there is not enough surface area to staple every cable to the joist. i will staple the 3 or 4 that i have room for, then i will zip tie subsequent wires to the secured wires. i have had people say this is against code, but i have never had an inspector say one word about it. what is the official nec code book ruling on this practice?

[@r7j7t7]

Another remarkable clear and concise explanation. Thanks John. One question regarding staples...actually two. Sometimes NM cable is run along the webbing of engineered joists. The webbing is not very thick so the end of the staple might protrude from the other side and if one tried to use a red staple for two wires it would definitely protrude...which would defeat the purpose of using a longer staple (so I have never done it). Are there rules for that? Also what are the rules for avoiding "bundling" violations for NM cable?

[@aaronblackford981]

Ty for your service and awesome video. I can read but that stuff is hard to get through. Guessing yearly classes to highlight the changes to code?

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes for sure. And thank you. The code updates every 3 years and to maintain our license we need to take a 15 hour code update course on the new code. The last update was in 2023 so I'm good to go until February of 2026.

[@aaronblackford981]

@@BackyardMaine that’s 2-3 boring ass class every three years

[@BackyardMaine]

@@aaronblackford981 I've been using Jade continuing education and I really love it. Its all online and I'll just work on it a few hours a day and I can usually get through it in 8-10 hour. I like it way better than attending the classes. Here's a link if you want to check it out next time you need an update. www.jadelearning.com

[@fleetwin1]

Alot to know for sure....

[@ed6837]

That seems the way it has been for years although I don't remember a service loop being mentioned. It would seem that a service loop could not be used with a 1 gang plastic without a clamp although not mentioned

[@BackyardMaine]

The 18" max cable length was added to the code in either 2017 or 2020. I can't remember for sure but it was one on those cycles. I actually said "and since it’s measured in cable length leaving a service loop is not going to be possible" when referring to the 8" support. I think??

[@buzzsah]

Question: A friend and I were both putting a small addistion on our homes, we live about 50 mile apart. Both have permits but neither of us are lic. Anyway he used WAGO on his connections and was passed by the town inspector, I asked my town if I can use them, and was told no, I had to use the twisted wire nuts. Both in same state, different towns. Hmm and why the differences?

[@BackyardMaine]

Some inspectors will try to force there on rules or maybe the town has local code amendments. They are legal to use in any states per the adopted NEC

[@rebelwithcause4908]

@BackyardMaine Shouldn't it then be code compliant to put a cable staple 4" from the junction box AND have 8" of cable slack between the junction box and that closest cable staple?

[@BackyardMaine]

That would be 4" of slack and then 4" to the box. You could do that possibly but you would have to be careful about the bending radius of the cable which has code limitations as well. In my view with single gang, non-metallic boxes, the best way to leave slack, if you really thought it was necessary, would be to leave it above the staple and just make sure the staple is not tight against the cable.

[@mistersniffer6838]

Jeeeziz cryst, FINALLY!! Thanks!

[@mjktrash]

So for horizontal runs THROUGH holes, no extra support is needed. However, what about horizontal runs on TOP of things like ceiling joists? Even more complicated by runs at high angles to the joists?

[@throughmylens5127]

Was doing a remodel and outlets were in the walls without boxes.

[@outofcontrol4499]

Are there code issues related to the type of staple? I'm thinking of those staples with two nails vs the u-shaped continuous steel ones? I confess that as a DIY guy the "2 nail" versions are easier in cramped quarters.

[@BackyardMaine]

Any staple will work as long as they are listed for NM cable support. The 2-Nail staples are fine.

[@tedbush1870]

It looks like the romex is running through the middle 1/3 of the stud ? I work in the manufacture housing industry for many years, we could not drill in the center of the stud without a prosleve, but stick built could. I do like your videos.

[@salvor1]

not leaving service loops is just not a good idea. ie: 'tear the walls apart to add 2 inches of wire'

[@Gruntled2001]

Liked and subscribed 👍🏼🤝

[@paulholmes672]

Fly High!!

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

I can fully appreciate the uprated nature of electrical service... The third leading cause of fires are caused by electrical malfunctions and the better We wire homes and businesses the lower fire loss caused by electrical malfunction...

[@donmclean1220]

Very clear explanation, I think I could remember it.

[@BackyardMaine]

Excellent. Thanks for watching and being the first commenter..

[@throughmylens5127]

So an inspector can pass or fail any job depending what part of the book they read

[@vboutique2188]

What type of cable ties can be used to tie together multiple romex wires for example in the electrical panel to make a clean install? Any particular brand? Or just the cheap dollar tree ones?

[@RG-uz6wx]

I would just neatly train and bend them without any of the plastic ties. They won't won't flutter around. And it leaves air space for ventilation and makes it a lot easier to trace if needed.

[@paulnovak6977]

If the Romex comes out of a drilled hole within 12” of the box with cable clamps do u still have to add a cable support?

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes it does and within 8" if the box has no clamp. The code article reads. In other than vertical runs, cables installed in accordance with 300.4 shall be considered to be supported and secured where such support does not exceed 1.4-m (41/2-ft) intervals and the nonmetallic-sheathed cable is securely fastened in place by an approved means within 300 mm (12 in.) of each box, cabinet, conduit body, or other nonmetallic-sheathed cable termination.

[@russrockino-rr0864]

I just staple at 8" or less. Then you don't have to worry about what kind of box you have! Thanks, Russ,29 years in the Electrical Trade.

[@davids2530]

I’m adding a single gang box behind my TV. Going to fish NM 12/2 down the wall and into an old work box. If i use clamps on both old work boxes I understand I don’t need staples because of the fishing exception. If I use knockouts instead of clamps in this scenario do i have to use staples?

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes, you are correct..

[@BackyardMaine]

Old work boxes with the wings like I showed in the video have the cable clamps. But if you were fishing a wire down to an existing nail on box without clamps, you could do that without support base on the information provided in the section on un-supported cables.

[@davids2530]

Thank you for your very quick reply and professional expertise!

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I had no idea there were dimensional requirements for staple locations.

[@joshbaker855]

Heres how it really works. Code is 12 inches. Depends on the inspector. Loops are really dumb but one inspector here expects a loop. So we do it yo code and have a loop.

[@BackyardMaine]

Code is not 12 inches for boxes without a cable clamp.

[@timgurr1876]

These codes are always confusing, especially when there are additional requirements in another section of the code. Why is this additional requirement only for single gang boxes? Thanks.

[@aliso-pv7ll]

Are the desk jockeys that write these codes former Soviet era bureaucrates?

[@BackyardMaine]

🤣

[@georgezofchak6684]

Just goofs with too much time on their hands and wanting the consumer to spend as much as possible…….to this date I have not seen or captured a gremlin that wants to mess a move my lines…unscrew connectors….or wiggle line loose………

[@espencer83]

Always great tips

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you..

[@dirigoelectric]

I use a box of staples every 5 years since I bought a battery powered Milwaukee stapler. It was about time they invented them.

[@BackyardMaine]

I want to try them.. Do they work well?

[@dirigoelectric]

@@BackyardMaine yes. I originally had a dewalt and hesitated buying a Milwaukee because they came out a couple years later. But I couldn’t get staples for the dewalt during covid so I bought the Milwaukee. I use both on jobs. The dewalt seems to run longer( bigger battery) but the Milwaukee seems to drive them better. All in all the Milwaukee gets more use as I have multiple batteries for it and the guys prefer it. Money well spent for sure.

[@dirigoelectric]

@@BackyardMaine and I use them steady for Mc cable in wood construction

[@user-gs6lp9ko1c]

Always great information John! After watching these, I'm always wondering how many inadvertant code violations I've committed in the past in my home improvement projects.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you. Much appreciated. The code can be tricky if you're not used to using it daily. I try to state the requirements but then talk about them in practical terms. I'm not the best but I try real hard.

[@johnypitman2368]

most importantly is your work safe and you understand wire size and breaker size relationships. There are other important rules but clamping or stapling distance to boxes isn't too important as long as you do it. If your work is being inspected then you might be more careful. In my many years as a general contractor my inspector only looked at my panel boxes and on final tested every receptacle. They don't have time to inspect every staple.

[@chadkeller2144]

Great info!

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@jfbeam]

You could still have a service loop, it'll be short and stapled right next to the box.

[@BackyardMaine]

You could but a small one and you also have to be careful of the bending radius restrictions.

[@troy3456789]

Good stuff and very clear. Thank you

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome.. Thanks so much. I have another new video coming out tomorrow around the same time.

[@troy3456789]

@@BackyardMaine I just subbed based upon the help you gave me with my horrible plastic gasoline cans. 🙂

[@BackyardMaine]

@@troy3456789 Awesome, welcome to the channel.

[@normferguson2769]

Alberta electrical inspectors are all looking for the service loop at the box. Not having them fails the installation.

[@BackyardMaine]

Many inspectors here in the US will make you remove them.

[@normferguson2769]

@@BackyardMaine I have worked on old switches that only has 2” of wire inside the box after 40 years of changing switches/timers. A service loop would have been lovely. This still sticks in my mind 25 years later.

[@donaldshimkus539]

In the last scenario, what if you made your service loop and brought it back through the staple which is 6" from the box? If you don't drive the staple in too hard, the service loop can still be pulled down into the box if needed.

[@BackyardMaine]

Many people even electrician will drive the staples in tool tight.. The staples are just there to hold the wire in place so it won't get damaged. I usually leave a bit of slack in runs by squaring off all the corners and leaving the staple where they are making contact but not tight. Then like you're saying you could pull a bit of slack through the staple. Thanks for adding to the conversation. The video I made before this one was on extending short wires.

[@BB-fp6gh]

Hello, I’m planning to run a Romex cable (15amp circuit) behind the Sheetrock wall to extend power outlet to the top in order to have a wall mounted TV. Question is that a code violation not to secure a romex cable to the stud? I live in TX so not sure if TX code says something about this.😊

[@BackyardMaine]

@@BB-fp6gh According to the national electrical code you can fish NM cables in the wall without any additional support. The old work box will also have a cable clamp so you are good to go. I don't know your local code but I would be shocked if there was an issue.

[@carlj3515]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@-_-John-_-]

✅

[@barfy4751]

Never go in the center of a pancake box

[@LumenCache]

This is by far the most concise explanation of the codes. You should be writing them!

[@blamuk]

So does that mean a 2 or 3 gang box without cable clamp is a code violation? Regardless of a staple within 8"?

[@BackyardMaine]

Only single gang, non-metallic boxes are made with no cable clamps unless they're supplied with KOs for using ROMEX connectors.

[@blamuk]

@@BackyardMaine i thought the cable clamps in my PVC 2 gang boxes were knock outs just like the single gang, so I snapped them off just like I did with the single gang. Do I have to replace all these boxes? What's the best solution? Maybe rewire them and use the other holes/clamps (that has not been snapped) in the box and just ignore the knocked out hole?

[@BackyardMaine]

@@blamuk If the walls are open just staple within 8" of the box. If the was are closed forget about it..

[@michealgoudarzi6893]

Amazing hints

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you so much..

[@allthingsconsidered3211]

Is it a no no to use nm cable with metal boxes ? Conduit required im guessing

[@BackyardMaine]

NM cable can be used with metal boxes. They make them with cable clamps for NM and another style for MC or BX. Or you can use boxes with knockouts and add connectors.

[@allthingsconsidered3211]

@@BackyardMaine thanks for the quick reply and clarification

[@BackyardMaine]

@@allthingsconsidered3211 My pleasure.

[@Mike-01234]

I never use plastic boxes cheapo junk use a metal box cut good size hole in the drywall come back fix the drywall. When I got 3 quotes to change out my aluminum wire with copper all 3 wanted to use plastic boxes when I mentioned metal box they didn't want to use them. The reason I like metal boxes is one time a contractor installed a water heater he used wire nuts to bond copper and aluminum. The connection wasn't good and heated up the wire burned back into my wall the only thing that saved me was a metal clamp on a metal box where the wires were pushed tight enough to trip the 50 amps breaker. The aluminum wire burned like a fuse. If I had a plastic box it would have burned up into the attic caught fire I'm in Arizona our attics are dry and hot easily catch fire.

[@jonblair5470]

If the staple is at 4” per se, and the wire is 8” in a unclamped single gang box. Couldn’t that still be a “service loop” (without the loop) and still be in code?

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes a small loop, just be carful of the bending radius requirements.

[@motoboymatt]

What's the logic on not securing the cable at a ceiling light?

[@BackyardMaine]

It's often not feasible when using can fixtures or strip lighting. As long as the fixture has a clamp and you secure to the nearest joist and within 4 feet it's acceptable and is at minimal rick of damage.

[@kerrytaylor4366]

So if you have an issue later you will have to rip the wall apart to fix it .

[@BackyardMaine]

If everything is installed correctly and wired correctly, you will never have an issue later. I wire my home 26 years ago and I have had zero electrical problems.

[@kerrytaylor4366]

@@BackyardMaine yes but there is millions of houses bought and sold ECT there are additions and such, there could be a fire or over load so please don't be so close minded or self centered because u still live in the same place you wired,as this isn't about you it's about everyone and please I'm not picking a fight.

[@BackyardMaine]

@@kerrytaylor4366 I'm not close minded. I just follow the code. Not supporting cable because you might have an issue someday is a bad plan. The supports are specifically designed to prevent the cable from being damaged.

[@tomstruble7380]

So all the oh so picky spacing rules go out the window if the cable is run thru a finished wall? Did the safety reasons disappear just because the wall is NOW enclosed, because when I'm running the cable in a open wall with all the 18" 4.5 ft rules - that area will soon be enclosed. So the rules are just one more regulation that does nothing for safety but makes all the electrical cabling companies more money.

[@BackyardMaine]

The biggest risk to the wire is during the construction process. Nails, screw, pinching the wire between the drywall and stud other trades etc.

[@diytwoincollege7079]

The standing desk is a code violation. The vertical corner radius on each corner is .0005 under the minimum spec.

[@BackyardMaine]

Ok.

[@markproulx1472]

Thank goodness that we have eagle-eyed viewers like you to keep us safe!🤣

[@jde1780]

That measurement is only valid if you had a good set of calibrated eyeballs. Otherwise, 0.0" to 0.25"r is acceptable. The only requirement there is that the edge doesn't give cuts similar to paper cuts.😎

[@dannyl2598]

As such, cushion corner protectors are required when the table height is adjusted to within 8 inches of the noggin of a kind that occupies the space within a 24 foot radios of the center of said adjustable table.

[@johnchinelli9959]

😂😂😂😂

[@DrJWR1]

What is the actual PURPOSE of the staple just outside the box? Nobody is going to be pulling that cable in either direction.

[@BackyardMaine]

A few reasons for supporting NM cable. One is the cable sheath needs to extend at least a quarter inch into the box. Otherwise we have unprotected wires outside the box. The support helps the cable stay in place. Next supports actually help protect the cable by keeping where it won’t be damaged by screws or nails, pinched between the finished wall and structure, or come in contact with anything else that could damage the cable during construction or years later

[@user-zb5gd2ff8y]

You always use UL listed cable fasteners in the manner of their design ed to be used.

[@BackyardMaine]

I may have mentioned that.

[@PSNDonutDude]

One thing I always notice about American videos and articles with technical information is that they don't mention the country. If its outside the US they almost alway mention the country. Mention the country and state in the start!

[@BackyardMaine]

Good point. Hadn’t thought about that. 90% of my viewers are from the USA and 8% from Canada which has very similar requirements. The other 2% from the rest of the world.

[@71organicmusic9]

A staple holds the wire in place ....so a nail or screw can peirce into it......the older romex Had a thicker insulation on it....hmmmm....NEC....approved. for a thinner insulation ??????...what to save money???how's that safer....

[@BackyardMaine]

I'm pretty sure the idea of securing the cable in place is to prevent damage. There are rules around how close the cable can be secured to the edge of the wood member or through holes or notches without additional protection. Maybe take a look at article 334.

[@joemontano71]

2:09 2:26 - 3:13 10:54

[@vicktorpatriot1430]

I still don't get why a so called "service loop" is loved by so many. Between the insulation install and drywall hangers generally not giving a rat's ass I think they are trouble in waiting

[@BackyardMaine]

I don't leave service loops very often. If I'm in a bathroom and I think the vanity may have to move a bit or some other similar situation I may leave one but other than that I don't. In fact I really see anyone doing that at least around here.

[@aeneanitesong4161]

It's left because drywallers suck and will shredded the wire in the box when cutting them out leaving you with 2 in of usable wire. So you leave the loop to pull more when that happens

[@rupe53]

Just remember that code / passing inspection is like graduating from school with a D average. It is the minimum, and you can probably do better. The hard part is making those adjustments without violating another section of the book.

[@aptpupil]

This is interesting, but it all begs the question: why?

[@BackyardMaine]

The primary reason is protection of the cable. I could write a couple of paragraphs on all the ways a cable can be damaged if it's not secured. Maybe I should make a video on the subject.

[@aptpupil]

@@BackyardMaine please do because it seems to me that 99.9% of its existence involves it not being moved in any way

[@44hawk28]

The instructions clearly says that the support must be within 8 in of the box, it does not say within 8 inches of cable length. Where did world did you get that interpretation. I know it says measured along the sheath, but it also says within 8 inches of the cable box. Which side of the interpretation are you going to take??

[@BackyardMaine]

Measured along the sheath means cable length. The sheath covers the cable so if you measure along it you are measuring the cable between the support and the box. It's not an interpretation. If you wanted to staple 4" from the box you could still have 8 inches of cable or sheath for a small loop but you have to be careful of the minimum bending radius.

[@ClayAdams-zj8yf]

Ive been an electrician since 87. The only time I staple is if the inspector requires it which now days they usually do. Once I'm out of the jurisdiction of the inspector I don't staple unless the house is foamed or I feel the need. I don't know how many times on a new home I've had owners want me to add another switch etc in a box while we are trimming. If the wire isn't stapled I've used it for a pull to add another romex. If it is it makes the job a whole lot harder or impossible if there are fire blocks in the wall. The code book can be a pain.

[@BackyardMaine]

I understand..

[@stephanpetranker8994]

I understand that code compliance can get in the way of efficiency. I humbly suggest compliance and charge accordingly with a change order.

[@nooneyouknowhere6148]

Staples have always been code as far back as I know. In Texas since the state took over licensing, all jobs are supposed to be inspected. The builder is supposed to hire an independent inspector if they are outside a municipal jurisdiction.

[@clayadams2068]

@@nooneyouknowhere6148 In my part of Texas once you get outside the city limits it’s the Wild West. You do as you please and I don’t know of any contractor that’s hired an outside inspector. Contractors hate inspectors.

[@JM-iz3fr]

Do it right or stay home! It's not a hobby. If you don't like something in the code, you can fill out the form to make a change, oh wait, it's a pain for you!

[@jonboggio3323]

Yeah, while code has some good reasoning, it is also a load of crap. When you can fish a wire and throw half the codes out. Just a way to strangle hold an entire trade with "licenses."