Romex Wiring In Attic

Nm cable also commonly known by the common trade name romex is the most common form of electrical wire.

Romex wiring in attic.

Attics with permanent access stairs ladder. We won t cover many other house wiring details. The national electrical code nec outlines specifications for securing nm cable and other electrical wiring. Nm cable must be supported by framing when running through walls ceilings and floors.

You must protect all cables running perpendicular and atop the joists. Normally the cables carry 10 12 or 14 gauge conducting wires for individual house circuits. Plastic boxes and flexible nonmetallic cable commonly called romex put electrical wiring projects within the skill range of every dedicated diyer. Nm cable is simply a bundle of individual conducting wires wrapped in a plastic vinyl outer sheathing.

The staple gun should be loaded with wire staples designed for holding the size and type of wire you are running. While one person holds the flashlight the other person should use a staple gun to run the wire along the rafters from one entry hole to the other. Most of the wiring in a modern home consists of runs of nonmetallic sheathed cable or nm cable also known by the popular brand name romex. An attic that is accessible which is defined by the nec as having a permanently installed stair or ladder in place must have protection for any cables that run across the top of the attic floor joists or within 7 feet where they run across the face of rafters or studs.

Bring all of the wire up into the 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. A pull down attic ladder does not count.