Strapped To The Bottom Of Exposed Floor Joists Conductors

Installing nm cable exposed in the basement of a structure is so common that section 336 6 c provides guidance on the installation of the cables in a basement.

Strapped to the bottom of exposed floor joists conductors.

I am selling my house and the home inspector said that the basement surfaced mounted receptacles needed to be in conduit because the wires were exposed. Wires to the bottom of a floor joist unless the wire is 6 2. Where the cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements cable assemblies containing two or more conductors of sizes 6 awg and larger and assemblies containing three or more conductors of sizes 8 awg and larger shall not require additional protection where attached directly to the bottom of the joists. Avoid unnecessary moisture exposure of all wood components by enclosing the frame against adverse weather as soon as feasible.

The insulated conductors under the metallic covering are listed for use in wet locations. Walking on joists before all accessories and floor decking are installed i joists are unstable and can roll over if walked on leading to injuries. In the unfinished basement an nm cable containing conductors smaller than two no. Tho i wouldn t do that at the bottom chord of an a w out an engineer s approval.

He didnt say anything about the exposed wiring that was stapled to the bottom of the joists had to be in conduit. Like all wood materials i joists are susceptible to moisture. Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 awg or three 8 awg conductors directly to the lower edges of the joists. Exposed runs of cable except as provided in 300 11 a shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or running boards.

If an exposed conductor of a low voltage wire comes in contact with 120v the higher voltage can damage what ever is at the end of the low voltage wire. Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 awg or three 8 awg conductors directly to the lower edges of the joists. 6 awg or three no. Joists secured at the outside ends and lapped over the beam would provide better resistance to tension than jhs.

It s also cheaper that way but that s not what you re asking. C in unfinished basements and crawl spaces. Exposed wiring on bottom of joists. Exposed to cinder fills strong chlorides caustic alkalis or vapors of chlorine or of hydrochloric acids.

A solid connection between the exposed low voltage wire and a 120v wire also can cause the insulation to melt and start a fire. 8 conductors must be installed through bored holes in the framing members.