The simple way to protect the cables is to run 1×2 or larger wood “guard strips” on both sides of the cable, as shown in the diagram below. Where the cables are installed parallel to the sides of attic floor joists, rafters, or studs, no protection is necessary.

How do I protect my attic wires?


Quote from Youtube video: And we put these down some of them we had to layer about twice because we had some offsets with a gas line and other things but typically just shimmed it once or twice all the way around.

How do you shield exposed wires?





With that in mind, here’s how you can cover exposed wires outside.

  1. Use a bungee cord to secure the wire. …
  2. Use flexible piping to protect the wire. …
  3. Use electric tape to cover exposed wires outside. …
  4. Use PVC piping to protect the wire. …
  5. Use a corner bead to prevent wires from being exposed.

Can NM cable be run in attic?

Yes. NM cable may be exposed in attic. This is very common in modern dwellings. Armored cable / MC is not necessary in your case.

How do you install non metallic sheathed cable?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I unroll between ten and twenty feet at a time and then tug it through the holes I drilled. If you have a helper available one of you can unspool the cable while the other pulls it through the holes.

Can you lay insulation over electrical wires in attic?

Yes, you absolutely can. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Making sure that the insulation is of a fiberglass material will not only ensure a fireproof setup but also reduce airflow from the home through the attic.

Does wiring in attic need to be protected?





An attic that is “accessible”, which is defined by the NEC as having a permanently installed stair or ladder in place, must have protection for any cables that run across the top of the attic floor joists or within 7-feet where they run across the face of rafters or studs.

How do you cover exposed wire at the end?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I will be using these um wire nuts or some you know some people call them Moretz to cap off each of these three wires individually. Just going to hold them under the flashlight.

Is it OK to leave wires exposed?

Yes. This is not only safe but best practice. Tuck the capped wires completely into the junction boxes to avoid accidentally snagging on passing ladders, wallboard, etc. If the room continues in general use then install blank cover plates.

Is it safe to put electrical tape over exposed wires?

Electrical Tape the Exposed Area



Electrical tape, typically black in color, should be used on exposed electrical wires because of its low conductivity and durability to wear and tear over time.

Can NMB be exposed?



It could be installed exposed in a residential garage or in an attic or basement. In most cases, the NM cable must closely follow the building surface or another means of support for the cable must be provided.

How can NM cable be protected?

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable must be protected from physical damage by rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC-XW conduit, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), guard strips, or other means approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) [334.15(B)].

How often is non metallic sheathed cable secured?

every 4 ½ ft.



NM cable must be supported and secured every 4 ½ ft. and within 12 inches of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting. Secure and support. Where nonmetallic cable is installed horizontally through holes or notches in framing members, it is considered supported and not required to be secured.

Can you put insulation around wires?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It put it over the top and drape. It down when you come into account with the wiring that's run on the outside.

Can you put expanding foam around wires?

You have to consider if using foam is safe if you have anything routed inside the cavity, such as electrical wiring. So, if you were wondering whether expanding foam damages wiring the answer is yes. Expanding spray foam without carefully planning can damage electrical wiring.

Can you use spray foam insulation around electrical wires?

Pretty much any space you can think of can be insulated using spray foam. To the relief of many, that includes spaces that have pre-existing electrical wires. Be it the walls of your home, the ceiling, floor, or roof, spray foam can work in perfect conjunction with electrical wires.

What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?



List of the Cons of Spray Foam Insulation

  • Spray foam insulation does not always fill every possible cavity. …
  • Spray foam insulation might encourage water damage for some homeowners. …
  • Spray foam insulation can sometimes shrink. …
  • Spray foam insulation requires a lot of experience to get it right.

Where should you not use expanding foam?

When NOT to Use Spray Foam Insulation

  • For areas that are too close to electrical boxes:
  • For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:
  • Open-cell spray foam on your roof:
  • For closed-cavity spaces:
  • If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:


Can you use Great Stuff foam around electrical wires?

Never allow foam to touch exposed wiring. Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked in Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner. Foam should be tack-free in 10 to 15 minutes.

What to use to seal around wires?



Seal around installed wiring using caulk or canned spray foam. For ceiling-mounted electrical boxes, install the electrical box in the ceiling drywall, then caulk around the base and caulk all holes in the box with fire-retardant caulk.

Can silicone be used to seal electrical connections?

Silicone oils are dielectric and so is silicone grease, silicone is generally low cost and widely available. However we do not recommend using any silicone based lubricant for use on electrical connectors or contacts.