Electric wiring questions?
Question:I'm trying to wire my new garage and have some questions I can't find in code about running the wire thru the wood framing.
1. When I drill holes in the top plate to run my circuits out, how many 5/8" holes (or larger?) should I drill for 10 exiting circuits of 12/2 wire and one of 10/2? I don't want to get into trouble of weakening the wood structure which is 2x6.
2. Is it ok to cut a dual switchbox and/or outlets into a sheer panel wall?
3. When I run wires on top of the trusses, must they run along the sides of trusses (exposed for now) or can I save wire by diagonally running the wire fed thru and stapled to the top of each truss (24" spacing)?
4. There are "burn blocks" at the 10' level on one wall that I must drill into. Do I need to put something in the holes to re-seal it after the wire is in? If so, what?
Thanks for any helps! My first electrical project and it is permitted and will be inspected. I want to carefully do it right.
Answers:
1. Usually you wouldn't want more than (2) 12-2 wires running through a single hole and (1) 10-2. A top plate shouldn't be "load bearing", therefore drilling holes in it shouldn't weaken structure.
2. I would think it would be more than safe to cut a 2 gang box into sheer wall.
3. Wires can definitely be run along the top of trusses, being stapled every 54" max. You don't want to drill any holes in trusses.
4. fire caulk can be purchased to fill up the holes after you have drilled the fire blocks.
reduce hole size to 1/2 inch for one to two 12/2 wires and up to 3/4 for more wires try to keep them relatively close as well as in the same grain lengthwise. as for the burn blocks you can reseal them with fire caulking you can run the wires however you choose depending on codes in your area and you should be fine cutting double gang box holes in the wall
Refer to Article 334 of the 2005 National Electrical Code..that will answer a few questions..
if we run anything thru a rated fire-wall here, it must be sleeved in conduit, with fire caulk
Drill away.
Yes.
Securely fasten romex within 12" of your boxes with clamps, 8" without clamps, every 4 1/2' thereafter.
No.
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