I'm using "stacker" clamps along our 2x4 studs to run multiple cables down the studs, and am nailing steel protector plates where the cable is closer than 1-1/4" to the face of the stud. However, I am using deep electrical boxes (plastic - 22.5 cu in) in our home which works great except for the 2x4 walls. The back of these deeper boxes basically ends up flush with the back face of the 2x4 stud. Of course, this means the cables coming in and out of the boxes are right at the stud face too!

The only nail protector plates I have been able to find are the little 1-1/2" x 3" plates, or the longer 5" version of the same thing. Obviously, neither will work for protecting the box or wiring off to the side of the stud.

The only thing I could come up with was to use blank metal covers from 4x4 metal junction boxes. They're just as thick as the standard protection plates, but I can screw them to the studs and have them overlap the electrical box and associated cables. This seems like a safe and sturdy solution, but I'm wondering if there are any code problems with this? Is there a better alternative?

Thanks,

Anthony

 

I've never seen anybody worry about this. It seems common practice to just get the cable back to the center of the stud as soon after it leaves the box as possible.

 

I agree with John. Nail protection is usually provided with plumbers nailing plates where a cable goes through a stud, top plate, or bottom plate closer than 1 1/4 " to the face where a nail is likely to be driven and not when run along side a stud. Maybe I misunderstand what you are doing but never heard of protecting the electrical boxes themselves or of any code requiring this protection....RL