Number of Romex wires in one hole

[Russell E. Napper]

Guys need some quick help. How many romex wires can be in one 1 1/2 in hole in a wood top plate. I have a circuit panel inside a garage, new construction, with the hole at the top plate completely stuffed with 12/2 romex. I have attempted to add the picture, but don't think it went through.

[Speedy Petey]

There is no limit. Some might say this is bundling, but I seriously doubt the wires are tightly grouped together for more than 24" in this instance.

[Russell E. Napper]

thanks

[Marc D. Shunk]

As many as you can without damaging the jackets of the cables.

[pdoane]

Spock: An illogical approach to electricity does have its advantages on occasion, Captain.

[tdietrich1]

You need to address derating issues when stuffing holes with cables.

tom

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

You need to address derating issues when stuffing holes with cables.

tom

Care to support this claim?

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

You need to address derating issues when stuffing holes with cables.

tom

Electrical Myth #47

[Greg Fretwell]

You only need to derate if they stuff insulation in that hole 334.80. Do you have an energy code?

[tdietrich1]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

Electrical Myth #47

Not around here(NE Pa) I've been getting word from other electricians that fire inspectors are looking at not just top and bottom plates, but studs and joists. So when drilling hole and running wires, we break our runs up to minimize bundling, and how many #14's and #12's go through holes. We can get the order to fire caulk every hole, as they want. The Myth is that this is coming from California, I think it's being lobbied by fire caulk makers.

tom

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

Not around here(NE Pa) I've been getting word from other electricians that fire inspectors are looking at not just top and bottom plates, but studs and joists.

Hey, I'm in PA too, and we all work out of the same set of rules. Bundling is not bundling until it's for 24 inches or more. I'd appeal the red tag for multiple cables in a top or bottom plate in a heartbeat, and I'd have to win. The code text is very clear on that matter.

[tdietrich1]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

The code text is very clear on that matter.

So is 90.4

So now just incase, I drill an extra hole everytime I get to 9 cc's 14# and 12# and 6 for #10.

tom

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

So is 90.4

90.4 isn't permission to make stuff up.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

90.4 isn't permission to make stuff up.

You better beileve it!

[Speedy Petey]

The rule about derating cables through firestopped holes is new in 2005. This is ONLY for holes that are (or to be) firestopped.

So here again we are caught with the "when was the hosue built" problem and "what code was it under when it was built".