Wiring in unfinished portion of the basement


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Old 03-31-20, 05:31 AM
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Wiring in unfinished portion of the basement

Previous home owner had installed NM wiring between the studs in an unfinished portion of the basement. Sinc e the wiring is exposed, it could be damaged. The ideal solution would be to run the wire up the framing members to the ceiling but would it meet code requirements if I toe nailed 2x4s between the studs and supported the wire that way?
 
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Old 03-31-20, 09:53 AM
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Install 4" wide strips of plywood across the fronts of the studs shielding the wiring and following the route of the wirng. (Or install floor to ceiling plywood or drywall or paneling covering the entire stud framing.)
 
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Old 04-01-20, 05:38 AM
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Hi, not sure what you mean by “ between studs” are you talking about across the front of the studs? Post a pic or 2 so we can see what you have.
Geo
 
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Old 04-01-20, 10:53 AM
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Here is a picture. Since I am working on the rest of the basement and at some point, I am going to need an inspection. If, this is going to be flagged, I would prefer to deal with it now. I was hoping I might be able to protect the wiring by using a 1x4 protecting the wire. I could also put up pegboard. Or rerun teh wire up to the ceiling and back down. If I need to do that, now is the time to do that.
 
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Old 04-01-20, 12:23 PM
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If your intent is to put up wall board or some other covering the wire is fine how run. If leaving the wall open as is then install running boards along the wire path. The protection needs to keep the wire from becoming a place to hang stuff on.
 
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Old 04-01-20, 01:08 PM
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Hi, is this wiring in the area you are having inspected, how high is the wiring from the floor? You can install these nail plates in front of the cables.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-1-2-in...2899/100151742
Geo
 
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Old 04-01-20, 03:48 PM
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Thanks. That would simplify things. I don't want to cut corners but also don't want to do work over again. Just to make sure I understand, a 1x4 mounted to the 2x4 in front of the wire would meet the need to protect the wire?
 
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Old 04-01-20, 05:02 PM
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Install the plates and walk away, your over thinking this, is this wiring in the area you are having inspected?
Geo
 
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Old 04-01-20, 05:42 PM
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Cables installed in wall cavities are considered protected. As long as the cable is 1 1/4" away from the nailing face of the stud no additional protection is required
 
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