Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: lowlandman, Location: Charleston, SC
Asked on: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 9:34 am EDT
Answered on: Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:35 am EDT
Question: I have in inspector trying to fail me for putting (4)14-2 Romex through 1 drilled 1” hole. Once I go through top plate it is not bundled. 2 wires on 1 stud left and 2 wires on 1 stud right. Nec says it’s fine in 334-80 but there trying to tell me IRC 3705.404 says no. Can anyone chime in on this.Thanksmark leppert
NEC 334.80"Conductors of different systems or circuits shall not be bundled within the same raceway unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this code."IRC 3705.404"Electrical raceways and equipment, including their enclosures, shall be installed and supported in a workmanlike manner. An electrical raceway is a tube or other approved means to contain conductors."Interpretation
NEC 334.80 allows for different circuit conductors to be bundled together in a raceway if permitted elsewhere in the code. IRC 3705.404 does not specifically prohibit the bundling of conductors through a drilled hole in a top plate.
Conclusion
Based on the provided code references, it appears that the NEC allows for the bundling of four 14-2 Romex conductors through a 1" drilled hole in a top plate, provided that the conductors are separated once they pass through the top plate and are not bundled within the same raceway. Therefore, the inspector's attempt to fail you may not be justified.
Additional Considerations Check with your local building department to confirm the inspector's interpretation of the code. Ensure that the wires are properly supported after passing through the top plate.* Consider using a larger hole or installing a grommet to protect the conductors from damage. Flag for review