Mounting/Securing Romex electrical wire....?

Question

What is code for how far you can go before you need to secure romex to a stud. Also if your running it into a plastic receptacle box do you need to have it secured to that somehow. i know on all metal boxes you need to secure romex with a clamp but not sure on the plastics. thanks

Answer 1

The National Electric code says this...



Box: wire must be stapled at least 12" from the box



Wire has to be supported no further than 4'-6" apart. This can be done by staples or just over joists or trusses.



When you do staple, You MUST be 1 1/4" or more from the edge of the stud. This is to keep the 1 1/4" screws / nails that go into your drywall away.

Answer 2

Not sure what you mean by "how far you can go", you do not have to clamp romex to plastic boxes, but it should be securely held in place by a staple, and it should be stapled to the center of the studs.

Answer 3

Actually, for any NEW construction, it needs to be secured within 12" of ANY box and no farther than 4'6" between supports. (holes in studs qualify as supports, but not as a securing means). Staples would qualify as securing means and support.



As far as running romex in an existing wall with no access, no supports or securing means are required.

Answer 4

Danny is right, if all your doing is putting up some lights you could use an extension cord if you wanted. The point here is low voltage will only mean your bulbs will be dim, however, some fluorescents may not light if the voltage is too low. If you are ever going to power a saw or any other tool from the barn, a 30 amp sub-panel would be ideal. Low voltage will damage electric motors.

Answer 5

Building codes vary with the locations. But, generally, every three feet, and within six inches of a box. No clamp is needed with romex into the box itself. But it must be anchored within 6 inches.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

you need to anchor it approx 6 inches from the box. There are plastic nail in clamps available at your hardware store