Hi, I'm finishing part of my basement and will be running new wires and adding electrical outlets. I've some question about the electrical wiring code: I frame the wall with 2x4 with a few inches distance off the concrete wall. 1. When running wire from wall to ceiling joint, can I run the wire around the inner side of the top plate(between studs and concrete wall) instead of drilling hole on the top plate and running through the hole? I will staple the rest of the wire along the stud and joint too, 11/4 inch away to the rim.2. When drilling the hole in the stud for wiring, can I drill the hole closer to the concrete wall but the hole is less than 11/4 to the inner side of the stud? Is this against the code? I know I cann't nail from the inner side after framing:)3. It the 6 feet rule aplly also to basemnent as a recreation room, for all walls?4. Is wall switch-controlled lighting outlet means I have to install switch controlled receptacle or switch controlled light is enough? Thanks for your help!
This Site Might Help You. RE: electrical wiring code for basement? Hi, I'm finishing part of my basement and will be running new wires and adding electrical outlets. I've some question about the electrical wiring code: I frame the wall with 2x4 with a few inches distance off the concrete wall. 1. When running wire from wall to ceiling joint, can I run
The code is about protecting the wire from damage. Yes you may use the gap nothing in the code forbids this. Unless you have an anal inspector it will be fine. Yes you can drill the hole as close to the concrete as you want and you don't need a screw plate to protect it. This rule is to protect the wire from dry wallers and their nails and screws. Again if the inspector gigs this he is a moron and anal. The 6' rule applies to any usable wall space in a finished basement. 6 feet from any break in the wall and every 12 feet to the next receptacle. Each receptacle covers the wall space 6 foot to each side. Outlet is a term used for any opening that supplies power, that includes lighting boxes (the ones that your light hangs from). In other words your ceiling light is an outlet. A receptacle is the term used for what you plug into. A switched lighting outlet can be a porcelain with a pull chain if you want. Doesn't mean it has to have a switch on the wall. Common misconception. The language of the NEC can be tricky.
I may not be right, but I'll take a stab at this one. Let's run it down by the numbers. 1) No, you may not run the Romex through that gap, you have to drill a hole. 2) It's accepted practice to put the hole a little on the deep side of the stud, but you still use hammer on steel wire protector covers before you hang your drywall. 3) The 6 foot rule applies to everything I've ever seen. 4) If you have an overhead light fixture, you don't need a switched outlet. Switched outlets are kinda funny, they are there to satisfy code for landlords and home owners that don't want to spend the money for an overhead light fixture. One note: no matter which way you go (switched outlet or ceiling mount fixture), if you have multiple exits (or entrances, depending upon how you look at it), each egress has to have a switch control. That rule can make for a lot of 3 way and even 4 way switches depending on the floor plan. Hope that helped!
