Running wires across RAFTERS?
#1
09-21-14, 06:16 PM
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Running wires across RAFTERS?
Is it ok to run all of my electrical wires across attic rafters. I am asking this because I think it would be easier on me when re-wiring my house. We currently have the old 2 wire/no ground and a 100 AMP breaker box with some seriously lethal wiring work that I need to get rid of asap.
I am planning on home runs for each room. So, it would make it easier on me to not lift up all the insulation that has rat poop and lay new wires, I just want to run the new ones across the rafters and to their respective locations.
So there is no confusion, I exactly mean running lines across the rafters (Not through) and securing them as per the code.
Of course the path would be all the way from the receptacle, up the inside of the wall, to the attic, and across the rafters and then back down through the wall to the circuit breaker box.
I appreciate all input on this. The code, the opinions, and the experience. First please answer the code though. Is this legal.
I am planning on home runs for each room. So, it would make it easier on me to not lift up all the insulation that has rat poop and lay new wires, I just want to run the new ones across the rafters and to their respective locations.
So there is no confusion, I exactly mean running lines across the rafters (Not through) and securing them as per the code.
Of course the path would be all the way from the receptacle, up the inside of the wall, to the attic, and across the rafters and then back down through the wall to the circuit breaker box.
I appreciate all input on this. The code, the opinions, and the experience. First please answer the code though. Is this legal.
#2
09-21-14, 06:44 PM
Group Moderator
Yes, that is fine. NEC wise it would also be OK to drill the rafters and run the cable through them. As long as they are at least a 1 1/4" away from the nailing face of the rafter. I would keep them greater than that though. 
#3
09-21-14, 06:49 PM
Member
“Is this attic accsessable?320.23 In Accessible Attics. Type AC cables in accessible attics or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in 320.23(A) and (B).
(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of the floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, the cable shall be protected by guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance”
Excerpt From: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), 2014 Edition.” NFPA. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/...k?id=712925892
(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of the floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, the cable shall be protected by guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance”
Excerpt From: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), 2014 Edition.” NFPA. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/...k?id=712925892
#5
09-22-14, 02:45 AM
I would build a raceway of three 2x4's running atop the joists. Lay in all your cables and exit the bottom of the raceway as needed to the application. It will provide the needed protection and will keep all the cabling together in a neat way.
