Can Romex be stapled to the bottom of floor joists?

It is okay to staple Romex along the floor joists, provided you keep it at a safe distance from the edge. This will help you protect it from screws and nails and any critters that may be crawling along the edges – since that is where insects usually decide to burrow. You can also run Romex THORUGH floor joists.

How do you remove staples without damaging wood?

Knives and Screwdrivers Pocket knives are used all the time by woodworkers to remove staples. Keep one handy, and when you need to, slip the sharp point under the staple and pop it out. Screwdrivers can be used in the same manner, only take care on finished or delicate woodworking to avoid damaging the wood.

How tight should Romex staples be?

Do not hammer in those cable staples too tight. They should be just enough to hold the cable in place, but not so tight as to pinch the cable. It may not look like the staple is damaging the conductors, and the problem may not present itself for a few years after installation, as was the case here.

Can you stack Romex under one staple?

In most cases, stacking up to 3 Romex cables under one staple is allowed. There are no specific requirements under code for the staple being used. However, DIY-ers need to keep in mind that metal staples aren’t just cheaper, but they are also much better than plastic ones (albeit not as pretty).

How far apart does Romex need to be stapled?

334.30 Securing and Supporting Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4 1⁄2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every outlet box.

Can you use metal staples on Romex?

Most metal and plastic staples or ‘wire holders’ can hold stacks of up to six to eight (6 to 8) Romex wires under them. You can stack even more if you can fit them or use thinner wires.

How do you remove staple nails from wood?

You grab the nail and using the rounded side of the pliers as a leverage you pull the nail out. Same concept when using staples that are a little bit out. Grab the staple and rock the pliers to pull it out. There’s no damage to the wood because of the rounded side of the the pliers.

Is it OK to staple Romex to the side of joists?

If I understand what you are asking, it is OK to staple romex along the side of a floor joist a safe distance from the edge to protect from screws or nails. It is not OK to “cross beam”, meaning stringing the wire beam to beam under them.

How many Romex cables can you staple per staple?

Teach a man to fish and you�ve ruined a good business opportunity. Normally 2 “flat” romex cables per staple is okay as long as they are laying flat, and not on end, no problem. I try not to pound the staple down to where the wire is tight…my create a problem for an AFCI..

How do you secure electrical cable to a wall?

Use insulated staples and fasteners. Avoid plain metal staples, and never use standard staples or other fasteners that are not designed for electrical installations. Position cables flat against framing before securing them; do not fasten cables on-edge.

Do I need a bigger staple to secure a cable?

In the mean time, we suggest the inspectors be realistic about a staple’s intended purpose “to adequately secure a cable or cables without damaging them”. A simple pull test would seem to be adequate to address this issue. Pull on it and see if it comes out. If it does, you need a bigger staple. If, not, go with it.