Can NM cable be used 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 I run NM cable in my attic?





Cable run across the top of joists



If the attic is accessible by permanent stairs or ladder, any cable running across the top of joists will have to be protected. Protecting the cable is as simple as installing “substantial guard strips”, which can simply be a 1×2 furring strip on each side of the cable.

Can you run nm cable exposed?

The National Electrical Code forbids the use of NM cable in situations where it is exposed in a manner where physical damage is possible.

Where is NM cable permitted to be installed?

Type NM cable is permitted to be installed in occupancies that are of Types III, IV, and V construction other than dwelling type. However, it must be concealed within walls, floors or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier, per NEC 334.10(3).

Can you staple Romex to rafters?

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.

Where can NM cable not be used?





Types NM and NMC cables shall not be permitted as follows: In any dwelling or structure not specifically permitted in 334.10(1), (2), (3), and (5) Exposed within a dropped or suspended ceiling cavity in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings. As service-entrance cable.

Where is Romex not allowed?

To give you an overview of what the National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations state, Romex wire shouldn’t be left exposed anywhere in the house, be it the basement, attic, or the home itself. In other words, the installation above is not compliant with the relevant codes.

At what intervals does nm need to be secured?

NM cable must be supported and secured every 4 ½ ft. and within 12 inches of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting.

Can you use NM cable in a shed?

Exposed NM, NMC and NMS cable are allowed to be run in “one- and two-family dwellings, their attached or detached garages, and their storage buildings” by the National Electrical Code (NEC 334.10 and 334.15).

How do you run electrical wire across rafters?



The best way to run wires along ceiling joists is to use a running board, spacing the wires evenly with electrical staples. This is for running wires in the direction of the joists or perpendicular to them. If there is no space, you can bore holes in very specific places to run wires through.

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.

How do you run Romex through joists?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Size a hole that we can drill in our joist. That takes the width of the joist in this case is that 10 centimeters but I'm going to turn it into millimeters.

How do you run Romex through a ceiling?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Don't realize you pop through and then hit the top of the roof and boom hole in your roof.

Can you drill through roof rafters for wiring?

You should not drill, cut, or notch your attic trusses. These actions will significantly weaken your trusses.

Can I run electrical wire over ceiling joists?

Running electrical wire through the channel between ceiling joists is generally easiest. In addition, your light fixture may require mounting to a ceiling joist or to two short blocks nailed between the joists. Trace and mark the fixture hole and cut out with a drywall saw, utility knife or reciprocating saw.

How often should you staple Romex?

The clamps, staples, or braces holding a Romex cable shouldn’t be any further than 4.5 feet. However, we recommend stapling after every 2 feet, just to be sure. This is especially true when running a wire where you won’t have immediate access all the time.

Can Romex be exposed in basement ceiling?



Romex is fine when it is inside a wall/ceiling/floor because it is protected from puncture/cuts/etc. but if it is just running along the exposed walls of a basement that is not up to code.