Romex Wiring In Attic

A pull down attic ladder does not count.

Romex wiring in attic.

Plastic boxes and flexible nonmetallic cable commonly called romex put electrical wiring projects within the skill range of every dedicated diyer. 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. Nm cable is simply a bundle of individual conducting wires wrapped in a plastic vinyl outer sheathing. You must protect cables located within 6 of the attic access hole.

The national electrical code nec outlines specifications for securing nm cable and other electrical wiring. Bring all of the wire up into the attic. Nm cable also commonly known by the common trade name romex is the most common form of electrical wire. The staple gun should be loaded with wire staples designed for holding the size and type of wire you are running.

Most local building authorities follow the nec recommendations but in any case the local rules are the ones you must follow and they are the specific. Attics with permanent access stairs ladder. 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. Normally the cables carry 10 12 or 14 gauge conducting wires for individual house circuits.

In this article we ll show you some house wiring basics how to position outlet and switch boxes and run the electrical cable between them. We won t cover many other house wiring details. Nm cable must be supported by framing when running through walls ceilings and floors.