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Electric wire within or "BEHIND" stud wall?
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milli...@yahoo.com
Nov 26, 2015, 6:20:35 PM11/26/15
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Hi,
Finishing my basement.
I have 2" foam insulation against concrete wall, with 2x3 stud wall immediately in front of that.
When I run electric wiring for outlets, am I obligated to drill through the studs (with 1.25" min cover from the front edge of the studs), or am I allowed to gouge out some insulation behind each stud and squeeze the cable between the insulation and the stud wall?
I want to do what's right.
Experienced advice appreciated.
Sincerely,
Theodore.
Finishing my basement.
I have 2" foam insulation against concrete wall, with 2x3 stud wall immediately in front of that.
When I run electric wiring for outlets, am I obligated to drill through the studs (with 1.25" min cover from the front edge of the studs), or am I allowed to gouge out some insulation behind each stud and squeeze the cable between the insulation and the stud wall?
I want to do what's right.
Experienced advice appreciated.
Sincerely,
Theodore.
Tony Hwang
Nov 26, 2015, 6:31:05 PM11/26/15
to
come thru pin holes..., LOL! I'd protect the wire and hole you drilled
in the stud with metal strip piece made for the purpose.
cl...@snyder.on.ca
Nov 26, 2015, 8:03:58 PM11/26/15
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have to be within hald inch of the foam side or covered with a steel
protection plate because you need to be 1 1/2 inches from the front
surface.
Don Y
Nov 26, 2015, 8:44:16 PM11/26/15
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On 11/26/2015 4:20 PM, milli...@yahoo.com wrote:
> Hi, Finishing my basement. I have 2" foam insulation against concrete wall,
> with 2x3 stud wall immediately in front of that.
Are they *really* 2x3's? I.e., 1.5 x 2.5"
> Hi, Finishing my basement. I have 2" foam insulation against concrete wall,
> with 2x3 stud wall immediately in front of that.
> When I run electric wiring for outlets, am I obligated to drill through the
> studs (with 1.25" min cover from the front edge of the studs), or am I
> allowed to gouge out some insulation behind each stud and squeeze the cable
> between the insulation and the stud wall?
>
> I want to do what's right.
chuck that close to the foam is problematic, consider using a plunge router
from the front face of the stud to route a channel -- with a protective plate
to cover up your sins.
If you haven't framed the wall, yet, consider drilling the *cut* studs
before installation -- then just threading wire through them after
erected.
gfre...@aol.com
Nov 26, 2015, 8:46:01 PM11/26/15
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If you are certain that you are maintaining the 1.25" from the face,
you could lay it in behind the insulation BUT you still might want the
nail plates if you think you would ever hang anything there. That
assumes you know where the studs are and don't just go fishing with
the drill. Since you have the depth, sleeving the wire in EMT
(conduit) might be the best way to go.
Instead of just "gouging out" the insulation, cut out a slot 2" wide
and cut a long plug you can seal it back up with when you are done
you could lay it in behind the insulation BUT you still might want the
nail plates if you think you would ever hang anything there. That
assumes you know where the studs are and don't just go fishing with
the drill. Since you have the depth, sleeving the wire in EMT
(conduit) might be the best way to go.
Instead of just "gouging out" the insulation, cut out a slot 2" wide
and cut a long plug you can seal it back up with when you are done
gfre...@aol.com
Nov 26, 2015, 8:47:54 PM11/26/15
to
Since the insulation is behind the studs, it is safely out of the way
so just rock on. Punch it through behind the studs and go.
Brett
Nov 26, 2015, 10:44:06 PM11/26/15
to
replying to millinghill , Brett wrote:
Hello Theodore,
I am a licensed electrician in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New
Hampshire.
Typically it is easier to run your wire overhead and come down to each
electrical box.
If you are using solid foam insulation, cut out a piece 1 inch wide from
above, to the box.
Turn that piece sideways and cut away enough foam to allow room for your
non metallic sheathed cable (Romex).
Run your wire down to the box and back up and over to the next box.
National electric code requires a Romex staple over the wire typically
within 8 inches from where it leaves the box, on the same stud that the
box is mounted upon.
Replace the foam over the wire.
Now you can install gypsum board wall or the plastic interlocking panels
used in basements.
Code requires arc fault protection for receptacles.
If you have more than 3 receptacles an arc fault circuit breaker is more
cost effective.
Code requires ground fault protection on receptacles in an unfinished
basement.
A combination arc fault/ ground fault circuit breaker can be installed to
cover your entire basement.
Electric code is written by the national fire protection agency.
It is a minimum standard for electrical installations to prevent fires or
deaths.
the suggested circuit breakers will comply with the code if sized
correctly to the size of the wire you are using.
American wire gauge # 12 for a 20 amp circuit breaker.
I know this may have been too much information, but now you have enough to
do a correct and safe installation.
--
I am a licensed electrician in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New
Hampshire.
Typically it is easier to run your wire overhead and come down to each
electrical box.
If you are using solid foam insulation, cut out a piece 1 inch wide from
above, to the box.
Turn that piece sideways and cut away enough foam to allow room for your
non metallic sheathed cable (Romex).
Run your wire down to the box and back up and over to the next box.
National electric code requires a Romex staple over the wire typically
within 8 inches from where it leaves the box, on the same stud that the
box is mounted upon.
Replace the foam over the wire.
Now you can install gypsum board wall or the plastic interlocking panels
used in basements.
Code requires arc fault protection for receptacles.
If you have more than 3 receptacles an arc fault circuit breaker is more
cost effective.
Code requires ground fault protection on receptacles in an unfinished
basement.
A combination arc fault/ ground fault circuit breaker can be installed to
cover your entire basement.
Electric code is written by the national fire protection agency.
It is a minimum standard for electrical installations to prevent fires or
deaths.
the suggested circuit breakers will comply with the code if sized
correctly to the size of the wire you are using.
American wire gauge # 12 for a 20 amp circuit breaker.
I know this may have been too much information, but now you have enough to
do a correct and safe installation.
--
trader_4
Nov 27, 2015, 8:31:22 AM11/27/15
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